'Brave Irene' read by Al Gore

Summary

In 'Brave Irene,' young Irene takes on a perilous journey through a snowstorm to deliver her mother's exquisite gown to a duchess. Facing harsh weather and a mischievous wind, she loses the dress but bravely continues, only to find it again and complete her mission. Her courage and determination are celebrated, and she returns home to her mother as a hero, with gifts from the grateful duchess.

Takeaways

• 📚 The story is from the book 'Brave Irene', written and illustrated by William Steig, read as part of the BookPALS program.
• 👗 The narrative centers around a dressmaker, Mrs. Bobbin, and her daughter Irene, who is tasked with delivering a beautiful gown to a duchess.
• 🤒 Mrs. Bobbin is ill and unable to deliver the gown herself, leading to Irene's courageous decision to undertake the task despite the harsh weather.
• ❄️ Irene faces a severe snowstorm during her journey, symbolizing the challenges and obstacles she must overcome.
• 🌬 The wind is personified as an antagonist, actively trying to prevent Irene from completing her mission.
• 👧 Irene's determination and resilience are highlighted as she refuses to give up despite the wind's attempts to deter her.
• 👗 The gown is lost during a struggle with the wind, but is later found, demonstrating perseverance and hope.
• 🏰 Irene's journey leads her to the palace, where she is welcomed warmly and the gown is successfully delivered to the duchess.
• 🎉 The duchess is overjoyed with Irene's bravery and the gown, leading to a celebration at the ball.
• 🔙 Despite her desire to return to her sick mother, Irene must stay at the palace overnight due to the weather conditions.
• 🌅 The next morning, Irene is returned home, where her mother has recovered and received gifts from the duchess as a token of appreciation for Irene's efforts.
• 💌 The story concludes with a message of love, bravery, and the importance of family, as recognized by both the duchess and Mrs. Bobbin.

Q & A

Who is the main character of the story 'Brave Irene'?

The main character of the story is Irene, the daughter of Mrs. Bobbin, the dressmaker.

What task does Irene undertake when her mother falls ill?

Irene undertakes the task of delivering her mother's finished gown to the duchess despite the harsh weather conditions.

What challenges does Irene face on her journey to deliver the gown?

Irene faces several challenges including a heavy snowfall, strong winds, a twisted ankle, and the loss of the gown to the wind.

How does Irene manage to find the gown after it was taken by the wind?

Irene finds the gown hugging the trunk of a tree, held there by the wind, near the palace.

What is the significance of the ball gown in the story?

The ball gown is significant as it represents the hard work of Irene's mother and is the item that Irene is determined to deliver to the duchess.

How does the weather affect Irene's journey?

The weather greatly affects Irene's journey by making it difficult and treacherous, causing her to lose the gown and injuring her ankle.

What does Irene's determination to deliver the gown say about her character?

Irene's determination to deliver the gown despite the obstacles shows her bravery, loyalty, and strong sense of responsibility.

What happens to the gown when Irene falls into a hole in the snow?

When Irene falls into the hole, the box she is carrying gets buried, but her hat and the box stick out above the snow.

How does Irene eventually reach the palace?

Irene uses the box as a makeshift sled to slide down a slope and reach the palace.

What is the reaction of the duchess and the servants when Irene arrives at the palace?

The duchess and the servants are amazed and welcoming, cheering for Irene's bravery in coming over the mountain in such a storm.

What gifts does the duchess send to Irene's mother along with a note?

The duchess sends a ginger cake with white icing, some oranges, a pineapple, and spice candy of many flavors, along with a note appreciating Irene's bravery and the quality of the gown.