2025 Nutmeg Award Elementary Nominees

2025 Nutmeg Book Award
Elementary Nominees
Grades 2-3
ANGLERFISH: THE SEADEVIL OF THE DEEP
by Elaine Alexander, art by Fiona Fogg
Thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface, the Seadevil of the Deep
awaits its prey. Take a deep dive into the Midnight Zone, and learn
about the life of the fierce and fascinating anglerfish.
EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE: A STORY ABOUT BOOKS AND
BELONGING
by Pauline David-Sax, art by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Nicky spends her recess in the school library, her sanctuary, shelving
the books she loves. But when the librarian is away, she must head
outside with the other children. Will she take a chance on friendship?
AVEN GREEN, SLEUTHING MACHINE
by Dusti Bowling
Meet Aven Green, a hilarious third grade detective. Aven's skills are put
to the test when two mysteries come her way! With her magnifying
glass between her toes, Aven doesn't let the fact that she was born
without arms stop her from doing anything she puts her mind to.
FAUJA SINGH KEEPS GOING: THE TRUE STORY OF THE
OLDEST PERSON TO EVER RUN A MARATHON
by Simran Jeet Singh, art by Baljinder Kaur
Fauja Singh faced many obstacles in life, including not learning to walk
until he was five years old. With determination and perseverance, he
became the oldest person ever to run a marathon.
BATCAT
by Meggie Ramm
When Batcat becomes haunted by an annoying ghost, they seek the
help of the local witch, who sends them on a quest. Batcat encounters
bats who think they are not bat enough and cats who don't find them
cat enough either. A little spooky and a lot of fun!
THE GREAT STINK: HOW JOSEPH BAZALGETTE SOLVED
LONDON’S POOP POLLUTION PROBLEM
By Colleen Paeff, art by Nancy Carpenter
In 1858, London was the biggest city in the world...and maybe the
smelliest. Running right through the middle of the city was a river
filled with poop! This is the story of the man who cleaned up the river
and how he did it.
THE BEST OF IGGY
by Annie Barrows, art by Sam Ricks
Fourth grade Iggy just can’t stay out of trouble. Follow his hilarious
misadventures ranging from jumping from the roof on a skateboard
onto a trampoline to racing school desks across the classroom.
MY TWO BORDER TOWNS
By David Bowles, art by Erika Meza
A little boy and his father wake early to cross the border from the US
to Mexico where they spend the day visiting, shopping, and eating
treats. On the way home, they make their most important stop:
bringing supplies to a family living in between the two countries.
BIG TRUCK LITTLE ISLAND
by Chris Van Dusen
What happens when a big truck gets stuck on a little island? The small
community works together to solve the problem. This delightful story
of resourcefulness is based on a true event that happened on the
island of Vinalhaven, off the coast of Maine.
THE SWEETEST SCOOP: BEN & JERRY’S ICE CREAM
REVOLUTION
by Lisa Robinson, art by Stacy Innerst
Ben likes art. Jerry likes science. But they both love ice cream! Get the
scoop on how two friends decided to mix art and science to create
their own ice cream business with outrageous flavors!
DEAR BEAST
by Dori Hillestad Butler, art by Kevan Atteberry
What's a pet to do when their human gets a new pet? Andy’s dog and
cat write to each other about life with their boy. Can they possibly be
friends?
WOMBATS! GO CAMPING
by Maddie Frost
Albert and Pickles are best friends on a camping adventure! Albert
can't wait for a rustic experience, while Pickles is imagining a luxury
resort. When a baby koala stumbles onto their campsite in need of its
mama, the two friends must put aside their differences.
DUCKS OVERBOARD!: A TRUE STORY OF PLASTIC IN OUR
OCEANS
by Markus Motum
After a shipping crate carrying it falls into the ocean, a rubber duck
finds itself tossed along with 28,000 others, swirling with the ocean's
currents. Follow along with the duck’s many adventures.
YOSHI’S BIG SWIM: ONE TURTLE’S EPIC JOURNEY HOME
by Mary Wagley Copp, art by Kaja Kajfez
Yoshi, an injured loggerhead sea turtle, was rescued by fishermen who
brought her to an aquarium for care. As she grew, she captured the
hearts of all she came in contact with. Twenty years later, Yoshi was
ready to return to her true home.
EVERGREEN
by Matthew Cordell
Evergreen, a squirrel with many fears, must deliver soup to her ailing
grandmother. She embarks on the journey, encountering friends and
foes along the way.
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