A Novel
WestBow Press — 2014
The year is 1896, Victoria on Vancouver Island — a newly formed colony of British Columbia. Young Thadeus Matoe, known to all as Toadmatoe, arrives at the home of the wise Professor Krokonal with a mysterious gift received from his friend Froglit Brar. Before the mystery can be unravelled, the constabulary bursts in and hauls Froglit away on suspicion of stealing a priceless heirloom.
Convinced of his friend's innocence, Toadmatoe sets off with the Professor and Ursula, his faithful salamander, in pursuit. By a strange twist of fate Froglit escapes his captors and rejoins his companions — and now three fugitives leap-frog across rapids, waterfalls, field and fen, guided by a providential hand through mishap and miraculous escape, following a gift that holds secrets none of them expect.
Doug Cariou is a prophetic Christian artist, muralist, musician, and poet based in the Fraser Valley, BC. He loves to share his faith through word and action as the Lord leads, and carries a prophetic sensitivity — often invited to share what the Spirit of the Lord touches in him with each individual he meets. Once Upon an Island is his debut novel — the creative fruit of years spent exploring the wonders of Vancouver Island with family and friends. The same eye that sees a wall as a canvas sees a story as a calling.
Interest in a film adaptation of Once Upon an Island has been growing, with a number of individuals and production contacts already reaching out to Doug directly. If you are a producer, filmmaker, investor, or simply someone who believes this story belongs on screen — we want to hear from you.
Name, number & email — Doug follows up personally