The [short] story of Irene Bobbin, whose Mother has made the “most beautiful dress in the world”. Her Mother is ill so it’s up to Irene to deliver the dress to the Duchess in time for the Ball. But it’s snowing and windy and Irene hurts her ankle.

Written and delightfully illustrated by American cartoonist and sculptor, the late William Steig.

Verdict: This is for children who like simple Cinderella stories, with happy endings and charming drawings. It would be a nice book to read at bedtime. One to buy with a Christmas book token perhaps? ***