Toto - by A J Hackwith (Paperback)

About the Book

"I was mostly a Good Dog until they sold me out to animal control, okay? But if it's a choice between Oz, with its creepy little singing dudes, and being behind bars in gray old Kansas, I'll choose the place where animals talk and run the show for now, thanks. It's not my fault that the kid is stuck here too, or that she stumbled into a tug-of-war over a pair of slippers that don't even taste good. Now one witch in good eyeliner calls her pretty and we're off on a quest? Teenagers. I try to tell her she's falling in with the wrong crowd when she befriends a freaking hedge wizard made of straw, that blue jay with revolutionary aspirations, and the walking tin can. Still, I'm not one to judge when there's the small matter of a coup in the Forest Kingdom.... Look, something really stinks in Oz, and this Wizard guy and the witches positively reek of it. As usual, it's going to be up to a sensible little dog to do a big dog's job and get to the bottom of it. And trust me: Little dogs can get away with anything"--

Book Synopsis

The true hero of The Wizard of Oz takes center stage in this brilliant, delightfully snarky reimagining from the author of The Library of the Unwritten.

"Heartfelt and often hilarious. . . . Toto takes his place among the pantheon of Very Good literary canines."--The Washington Post

I was mostly a Good Dog until they sold me out to animal control, okay?

But if it's a choice between Oz, with its creepy little singing dudes, and being behind bars in gray old Kansas, I'll choose the place where animals talk and run the show for now, thanks.

It's not my fault that the kid is stuck here too, or that she stumbled into a tug-of-war over a pair of slippers that don't even taste good. Now one witch in good eyeliner calls her pretty and we're off on a quest? Teenagers.

I try to tell her she's falling in with the wrong crowd when she befriends a freaking hedge wizard made of straw, that blue jay with revolutionary aspirations, and the walking tin can. Still, I'm not one to judge when there's the small matter of a coup in the Forest Kingdom....

Look, something really stinks in Oz, and this Wizard guy and the witches positively reek of it. As usual, it's going to be up to a sensible little dog to do a big dog's job and get to the bottom of it.

And trust me: Little dogs can get away with anything.

Review Quotes

Praise for Toto
"Full of energy, wit, and no shortage of snark, Toto made me grin from start to finish. This is my headcanon for Oz now--the version of Oz we all need!"--Jo Miles, author of Ravenous State

"A nostalgic yet innovative dive back into Oz that fans won't want to miss." --She Reads

"Toto's witty voice and the intricate layers of scheming elevate this adventure beyond mere fan fiction. It's a treat."--Publishers Weekly

"As heartfelt and thoughtful as it is snarky. Hackwith deconstructs, reconstructs, and adds new and vibrant life to the Oz stories with her signature deft prose and heartbreakingly real characters. Toto is a Good Dog, and Toto is a Great Book."--Tyler Hayes, author of The Imaginary Corpse

"A snarky, clever retelling with a lot of humor and heart." --Book Riot

"Readers will be delighted to discover this unique take on The Wizard of Oz. With modern references, unusual twists, snarky commentary, and some delightful side plots, recommend Hackwith's new novel to readers looking for a fun retelling or twisted tale."--Library Journal

"A satirical romp updating beloved characters for the modern era."--Elizabeth Bear, award-winning author of The Origin of Storms

"A familiar story told from a distinctly canine view; Toto takes the reader on a trip to an Oz that is the emerald colored world that they might think they know. However, there are some unique and fun touches that would never have occurred to L. Frank Baum."--Juneau Black, author of Shady Hollow

"This is a fun, new take on the story, and centering it around Toto is great. Readers are in for a treat with this one."--Red Carpet Crash

Praise for the Hell's Library Series
"Clever, charming, full of intricate world-building and delightful characters."--Christina Henry, author of Horseman

"Hackwith literally brings books to life with her layered prose, emotional scenes, slow burns, and powerful connections among found-family members."--Library Journal (starred review)

"A delightful romp through Heaven, Hell, and everything in between."--Caitlin Starling, author of The Death of Jane Lawrence

About the Author

A. J. Hackwith (she/they) is a queer writer of fantasy and science fiction living in the woods of the Pacific Northwest with her partner and various pet cryptids. A.J. is the author of a number of fantasy novels, including the acclaimed Novels from Hell's Library trilogy. She is a graduate of the Viable Paradise writers' workshop and her work appears in Uncanny magazine and assorted anthologies. Summon A.J. at your own peril with an arcane circle of fountain pens, weird collections of rusted keys, and home-brew D&D accessories.