'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.

Outlines

00:00

😇 The Brave Task of Young Irene

In the opening scene, Al Gore introduces the story 'Brave Irene' by William Steig as part of the BookPALS program. The narrative begins with Mrs. Bobbin, a dressmaker, who is unwell and unable to deliver a beautiful gown she has made for the duchess's ball. Her daughter, Irene, bravely volunteers to deliver the gown despite the harsh winter weather. She carefully packs the dress and sets out on her journey, facing the biting cold and a strong, mischievous wind that tries to deter her from her mission.

05:01

😢 The Ordeal of Irene and the Lost Gown

Irene's journey is fraught with difficulties as she battles through deep snow and a relentless wind that eventually rips the gown from her grasp. She experiences a moment of despair when the gown is lost to the wind, but she decides to continue her journey to the palace to explain the situation to the duchess. Along the way, Irene suffers a twisted ankle, adding to her struggle. Despite the pain and the worsening weather, she presses on, determined to fulfill her promise to her mother.

10:08

😃 The Miraculous Recovery and Celebration

After a night of struggle and feeling lost, Irene miraculously finds the gown held by the wind against a tree. She manages to retrieve it and delivers it to the palace, where she is warmly welcomed by the duchess and her servants. Irene recounts her harrowing journey, and although initially unable to return home due to the weather, she is treated to a feast and enjoys a wonderful ball. The duchess, in her new gown, shines brightly, and Irene is celebrated for her bravery. The next morning, Irene is sent home in a horse-drawn sleigh, bringing with her gifts from the duchess for her mother, who is relieved and proud of her daughter's courage.

Keywords

💡BookPALS

BookPALS is a program sponsored by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, aimed at promoting literacy and a love of reading among children. In the context of the video, it signifies the initiative that Al Gore is part of, as he reads a book to engage and entertain young audiences. The mention of BookPALS at the beginning sets the stage for the educational and community-oriented nature of the video.

💡Brave Irene

Brave Irene is the title of the book being read in the video, written and illustrated by William Steig. It is a central concept as the entire narrative revolves around the character Irene and her courageous journey. The title emphasizes the theme of bravery, which is exemplified by Irene's actions throughout the story as she undertakes a perilous task to deliver a gown despite harsh weather conditions.

💡Duchess

The Duchess is a character in the book who is expecting a gown to be delivered for a ball. She represents the recipient of Irene's efforts and the reason for her brave journey. The gown is intended for the Duchess, highlighting the importance of the task that Irene undertakes, which is to ensure the gown reaches the Duchess despite the challenging circumstances.

💡Gown

The gown is a significant object in the story, symbolizing the labor and craftsmanship of Irene's mother. It is the item that Irene is tasked with delivering to the Duchess. The gown's journey, and the obstacles it faces, parallel Irene's own trials, making it a central element in the narrative that drives the plot and underscores the theme of perseverance.

💡Snow

Snow is a key environmental element in the story, creating the backdrop for Irene's adventure. It sets the scene for the challenges she faces, such as the harsh weather and the difficulty of navigating through the snow. The snow also adds a layer of visual and emotional depth to the story, emphasizing the cold and isolating conditions Irene must endure.

💡Wind

The wind is portrayed as a malevolent force in the story, opposing Irene's efforts and causing her to lose the gown. It serves as an antagonistic element, testing Irene's resolve and bravery. The wind's actions, such as ripping the box open and trying to deter Irene, highlight the external conflicts she must overcome to complete her mission.

💡Bravery

Bravery is a central theme in the video, encapsulated by the title 'Brave Irene' and demonstrated through Irene's actions. It is defined by her courage to face the harsh elements and her determination to fulfill her promise despite the odds. The narrative showcases Irene's bravery through her confrontations with the wind and her unwavering commitment to deliver the gown.

💡Responsibility

Responsibility is a key concept in the story, as Irene takes on the duty of delivering the gown to the Duchess when her mother falls ill. This act of stepping up to a task that is crucial yet challenging illustrates the theme of taking responsibility. Irene's actions, such as insisting on going despite the weather and persisting through the journey, exemplify her sense of responsibility.

💡Perserverance

Perseverance is evident in Irene's journey as she continues to push forward despite the numerous setbacks she encounters. It is the quality that allows her to keep going even when she loses the gown and injures her ankle. The story illustrates perseverance through Irene's relentless efforts to overcome the wind and the snow, ultimately achieving her goal.

💡Mother-Daughter Relationship

The mother-daughter relationship between Irene and Mrs. Bobbin is a significant aspect of the story, providing emotional depth and motivation for Irene's actions. It is depicted through their interactions and Irene's concern for her sick mother. This relationship underscores the theme of love and care, driving Irene's bravery and determination to deliver the gown.

💡Rescue

Rescue is a pivotal moment in the story when Irene finds the lost gown held by the wind near a tree. This act of 'rescuing' the gown is a turning point, symbolizing Irene's triumph over adversity. It demonstrates her resourcefulness and the story's theme of hope and recovery, as she is able to retrieve the gown and complete her mission.

Highlights

Irene's mother, the dressmaker, is ill and unable to deliver the beautiful gown to the duchess.

Irene bravely volunteers to deliver the gown to the palace despite the harsh weather conditions.

Irene's determination to complete the important errand despite her mother's initial refusal.

The detailed description of Irene's preparations for the journey in the snow.

Irene's encounter with the challenging weather, including heavy snow and strong winds.

Irene's resilience as she continues her journey even after losing the gown to the wind.

The emotional moment when Irene finds the gown again, held by the wind against a tree.

Irene's arrival at the palace and the warm welcome she receives from the duchess and servants.

The duchess's appreciation for Irene's bravery and the beautiful gown.

Irene's participation in the ball and the kindness shown to her by the aristocrats.

Irene's concern for her sick mother and her request to return home after the ball.

The duchess's thoughtful gift to Irene's mother, showing her gratitude.

Irene's safe return home, asleep but smiling in the horse-drawn sleigh.

The surprise and relief of Irene's mother upon discovering her daughter's safe return.

The duchess's note recognizing Irene's bravery and love for her mother.

The story's portrayal of courage, love, and the importance of helping others.

The vivid illustrations by William Steig that bring the story to life.

Al Gore's narration of the story as part of the BookPALS program.

Transcripts

Hi, I'm Al Gore and this is part of the BookPALS program, sponsored by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation.

And today, I'm going to read you this book, written and illustrated by William Steig, it's called "Brave Irene."

Here's how it begins...

Mrs. Bobbin, the dressmaker, was tired and had a bad headache, but she still managed to sew the last stiches in the gown she was making.

"It's the most beautiful dress in the whole world!" said her daughter, Irene. "The duchess will love it."

"It is nice," her mother admitted. "But, dumpling, it's for tonight's ball, and I don't have the strength to bring it. I feel sick."

"Poor Mama," said Irene. "I can get it there!"

"No, cupcake, I can't let you," said Mrs. Bobbin.

"Such a huge package, and it's such a long way to the palace. Besides, it's starting to snow."

"But I love snow," Irene insisted.

She coaxed her mother into bed, covered her with two quilts, and added a blanket for her feet.

Then she fixed some tea with lemon and honey and put more wood in the stove.

With great care, Irene took the splendid gown down from the dummy and packed it in a big box with plenty of tissue paper.

"Dress warmly, pudding," her mother called in a weak voice, "and don't forget to button up. It's cold out there, and windy."

Irene put on her fleece-lined boots, her red hat and muffler, her heavy coat, and her mittens.

She kissed her mother's hot forehead six times, then once again, made sure she was tucked in snugly,

and slipped out with the big box, shutting the door firmly behind her.

It really was cold outside, very cold.

The wind whirled the falling snow-flakes about, this way, that way, and into Irene's squinting face.

She set out on the uphill path to Farmer Bennett's sheep pasture.

By the time she got there, the snow was up to her ankles and the wind was worse.

It hurried her along and made her stumble.

Irene resented this; the box was problem enough.

"Easy does it!" she cautioned the wind, leaning back hard against it.

By the middle of the pasture, the flakes were falling thicker.

Now the wind drove Irene along so rudely she had to hop, skip, and go helter-skeltering over the knobby ground.

Cold snow sifted into her boots and chilled her feet.

She pushed out her lip and hurried on. This was an important errand.

When she reached Apple Road, the wind decided to put on a show.

It ripped branches from trees and flung them about, swept up and scattered the fallen snow,

got in front of Irene to keep her from moving ahead.

Irene turned around and pressed on backwards.

"Go home!" the wind squalled. "Irene... go hooome..."

"I will do no such thing," she snapped. "No such thing, you wicked wind!"

"Go ho-o-ome," the wind yodeled. "GO HO-WO-WOME," it shrieked, "or else."

For a short second, Irene wondered if she shouldn't heed the wind's warning.

But no! The gown had to get to the duchess!

The wind wrestled her for the package-- walloped it, twisted it, shook it, snatched at it.

But Irene wouldn't yield. "It's my mother's work!" she screamed.

Then-- oh, woe!-- the box was wrenched from her mittened grasp and sent bumbling along in the snow.

Irene went after it.

She pounced and took hold, but the ill-tempered wind ripped the box open.

The ball gown flounced out and went waltzing through the powdered air with tissue-paper attendants.

Irene clung to the empty box and watched the beautiful gown disappear.

How could anything so terribly wrong be allowed to happen? Tears froze on her lashes.

Her dear mother's hard work, all those days of measuring, cutting, pinning, stitching... for this?

And the poor duchess! Irene decided she would have to trudge on with just the box and explain everything in person.

She went shuffling through the snow. Would her mother understand, she wondered, that it was the wind's fault, not hers?

Would the duchess be angry? The wind was howling like a wild animal.

Suddenly Irene stepped in a hole and fell over with a twisted ankle. She blamed it on the wind.

"Keep quiet!" She scolded. "You've done enough damage already. You've spoiled everything! Everything!"

The wind swallowed up her words.

She sat in the snow in great pain, afraid she wouldn't be able to go on.

But she managed to get to her feet and start moving. It hurt.

Home, where she longed to be, where she and her mother could be warm together, was far behind.

It's got to be closer to the palace, she thought. But where any place was in all this snow, she couldn't be sure.

She plowed on, dragging furrows with her sore foot. The short winter day was almost done.

"Am I still going the right way?" she wondered. There was no one around to advise her.

Whoever else there was in this snow-covered world was far, far away, and safe indoors-- even the animals in their burrows. She went plodding on.

Soon night took over. She knew in the dark that the muffled snow was still falling-- she could feel it.

She was cold and alone in the middle of nowhere. Irene was lost.

She had to keep moving. She was hoping she'd come to a house, any house at all, and be taken in.

She badly needed to be in someone's arms. The snow was above her knees now.

She shoved her way through it, clutching the empty box.

She was asking how long a small person could keep this struggle up, when she realized it was getting lighter.

There was a soft glow coming from somewhere below her.

She waded toward this glow, and soon was gazing down a long slope at a brightly lit mansion.

It had to be the palace!

Irene pushed forward with all her strength and-- sloosh! thwump!-- she plunged downward and was buried.

She had fallen off a little cliff.

Only her hat and the box in her hands stuck out above the snow.

Even if she could call for help, no one would hear her. Her body shook. Her teeth chattered.

"Why not freeze to death," she thought, "and let all these troubles end." Why not? She was already buried.

And never see her mother's face again? Her good mother who smelled like fresh-baked bread?

In an explosion of fury, she flung her body about to free herself and was finally able to climb up on her knees and look around.

How to get down to that glittering palace? As soon as she raised the question, she had the answer.

She laid the box down and climbed aboard.

But it pressed into the snow and stuck.

She tried again, and this time, instead of climbing on, she leaped. The box shot forward, like a sled.

The wind raced after Irene but couldn't keep up. In a moment she would be with people again, inside where it was warm.

The sled slowed and jerked to a stop on paving stones.

The time had come to break the bad news to the duchess.

With the empty box clasped to her chest, Irene strode nervously toward the palace.

But then her feet stopped moving and her mouth fell open. She stared.

Maybe this was impossible, yet there it was, a little way off and over to the right, hugging the trunk of a tree--

The beautiful ball gown! The wind was holding it there.

"Mama!" Irene shouted. "Mama, I found it!"

She managed somehow, despite the wind's meddling, to get the gown off the tree and back in its box.

And in another moment she was at the door of the palace. She knocked twice with the big brass knocker.

The door opened and she burst in.

She was welcomed by cheering servants and a delirious duchess.

They couldn't believe she had come over the mountain in such a storm, all by herself.

She had to tell the whole story, every detail. And she did.

Then she asked to be taken right back to her sick mother.

But it was out of the question, they said; the road that ran around the mountain wouldn't be cleared until morning.

"Don't fret, child," said the duchess. "Your mother is surely sleeping now. We'll get you there first thing tomorrow."

Irene was given a good dinner as she sat by the fire, the moisture steaming off her clothes.

The duchess, meanwhile, got into her freshly ironed gown before the guests began arriving in their sleighs.

What a wonderfull ball it was! The duchess in her new gown was like a bright star in the sky.

Irene in her ordinary dress was radiant.

She was swept up into dances by handsome aristocrats, who kept her feet off the floor to spare her ankle.

Her mother would enjoy hearing all about it.

Early the next morning, when snow had long since ceased falling, Mrs. Bobbin woke from a good night's sleep feeling much improved.

She hurried about and got a fire going in the cold stove. Then she went to look in on Irene.

But Irene's bed was empty! She ran to the window and gazed at the white landscape.

No one out there. Snow powder fell from the branch of a tree.

"Where is my child?" Mrs. Bobbin cried. She whipped on her coat to go out and find her.

When she pulled the door open, a wall of drift faced her.

But peering over it, she could see a horse-drawn sleigh hastening up the path.

And seated on the sleigh, between two large footmen, was Irene herself, asleep but smiling.

Would you like to hear the rest?

Well, there was a bearded doctor in the back of the sleigh...

and the duchess had sent Irene's mother a ginger cake with white icing, some oranges and a pineapple, and spice candy of many flavors,

along with a note saying how much she cherished her gown, and what a brave and loving person Irene was.

Which, of course, Mrs. Bobbin knew. Better than the duchess.

I hope you enjoyed this book, "Brave Irene."