Alego, by Inuit artist Ningeokuluk Teevee, received a Governor General’s Literary Award nomination this year in the illustrated book category, and it’s not hard to see why. Typical of Groundwood, the book is a thoroughly classy affair, a peek at a culture that does not get a whole lot of mainstream attention in kids’ books or elsewhere.

The book, which depicts a clam-digging expedition between young Alego and her grandmother, may be a little too classy for its own good, however. As the two walk along the shore near their Baffin Island home, Alego investigates the various creatures inhabiting the tide pools and sand. At the end of the day, the two head home for a dinner of ammuumajuit (clams) and tea. It’s all perfectly charming, and ends with a glossary of beach creatures, to boot. At first glance, Teevee’s pencil crayon illustrations resemble those of a child, but closer scrutiny reveals subtler levels of sophistication and composition. They are also an excellent match with the simplicity of the narrative.

The problem is that the book is too sober and dry in its presentation. The translated text is spare, yet remarkably flat-footed. (“Ammuumajuit live in the sand. If you see holes in the sand, that’s where the clams are. Dig around a hole and you will find a clam.”) Images and text are placed on opposing pages, so there is none of the visual interaction that might have given the book a little spurt of energy.

In all, Alego feels more virtuous than loveable. Especially when measured against the more engaging northern-themed collaborations between Michael Kusugak and Vladyana Krykorka (The Littlest Sled Dog, Curse of the Shaman, Baseball Bats for Christmas), it’s hard not to find that this particular clam dig lacks spice.