Everything Is Teeth

Novelist Wyld (After the Fire) switches to the graphic novel format to explore the sadness of childhood in this brief, lovely memoir. Having spent her summers in coastal Australia, Wyld’s infant imagination is consumed by what lurks beneath the waves. She researches shark attacks obsessively, imagines her loved ones falling prey to a Great White’s jaws, and relates tales of teeth and gore to her lonely older brother. Though the book is short, the brevity concentrates the emotion of every page and panel: a simple image of a shark following Wyld down a suburban street takes on grave significance. Artist Sumner’s use of photorealistic sharks in contrast with his simple line drawings is particularly powerful, though the line drawings themselves could use a little refinement. Regardless, this is a poignant, understated look into the anxiety of childhood, singular and memorable. (May)