That gossamer-winged fairy Faith, who first appeared in Daniela Drescher's Little Fairy's Christmas, returns in this second picture-book adventure, once again setting out through the woods, this time because she cannot seem to fall asleep. Encountering the Sandman, as he gathers dust to help young children drift off into slumber, a mother fox whose kits won't go to bed, an owl who's always up at night, and an elf family whose young ones keep demanding more stories, to forestall bedtime, Faith discovers that she is not alone in her wakefulness. It is only when a handsome moth fairy prince finds her and brings her to a magical Midsummer Night's party, that she understand just why everybody is having such trouble getting to sleep...

Originally published in German as Die kleine Elfe kann nicht schlafen, this second picture-book about the little fairy Faith is every bit as engaging as its predecessor, with a sweet story and charming illustrations. I particularly enjoy Daniela Drescher's use of color here, with the deep blue and purple shades of evening and night-time forest, and the warm orange and yellow hues of homes both humble (the fox's den) and more ornate (the elf's house). With Faith's search through the forest, her evening at the party, and her eventual drifting off into slumber, Little Fairy Can't Sleep would make an excellent bedtime selection! Recommended to young fairy-tale lovers, and to fans of Daniela Drescher's artwork. ( )