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Lincoln Peirce's second "Little Big Nate" board book is even more appealing than the first. Nap time is at hand for preschooler Nate Wright and friends, but the very idea makes him grumpy. Why nap when there's a world of fun to engage in? There are games and toys to play with, sweet treats to snack on, and daring adventures that would take Nate to the edge of destruction en route to victory. Fighting burglars as a superhero doesn't sound half bad; neither does teleporting back in time to ride a woolly mammoth. Nate could journey to the far reaches of our world in a hot air ballon, or explore the solar system and trot on the moon. All these possibilities beckon...but a quick nap first couldn't hurt.

Action and adventure tug strongly at the minds of the ambitious. When we want to get started on a fantastic journey, rest and relaxation feels like a hindrance, but it prepares us to face the challenges ahead with maximum efficiency. Deep, restorative sleep is a wise prelude to adventure, and once Nate wakes up, look out: he'll be ready to use his cleverness and creativity to take on the world.

Little Big Nate Draws a Blank was amusing, but this followup book makes better sense and has more substance. Nate's personality is true to form, and I'm glad we get a glimpse of Francis, Teddy, and Dee Dee as preschoolers on page one. This series has real potential; Lincoln Peirce's forays into juvenile literature have been a smashing success. His stories and humor are such fun.