  The smallest dwarf galaxies are the most straight forward objects in which to
study star formation processes on a galactic scale. They are typically single
cell star forming entities, and as small potentials in orbit around a much
larger one they are unlikely to accrete much (if any) extraneous matter during
their lifetime (either intergalactic gas, or galaxies) because they will
typically lose the competition with the much larger galaxy. We can utilise
observations of stars of a range of ages to measure star formation and
enrichment histories back to the earliest epochs. The most ancient objects we
have ever observed in the Universe are stars found in and around our Galaxy.
Their proximity allows us to extract from their properties detailed information
about the time in the early Universe into which they were born. A currently
fashionable conjecture is that the earliest star formation in the Universe
occurred in the smallest dwarf galaxy sized objects.
  Here I will review some recent observational highlights in the study of dwarf
galaxies in the Local Group and the implications for understanding galaxy
formation and evolution.
