After selling over 1 million Latter-day Saint products, including books, card games, CD’s, and more, the renowned artist Val Chadwick Bagley has recently published two seek-and-find children’s books; “When I Think Celestial” and “Book of Mormon Examples”.

Bagley worked with his past publisher Covenant Communications for 30 years. Bagley says he was “told they would no longer be publishing anymore of [his] books” and has begun working with Cedar Fort Press, which has now published his two new works, which took several months.

In line with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ current emphasis on teachings from the Book of Mormon, Bagley’s dedication to fostering children’s understanding of this book shines through in “Seek and Find: Book of Mormon Examples” The purpose of “Book of Mormon Examples” is to help children gain a “foundation and knowledge of who is in the Book of Mormon.”

“I have done multiple Book of Mormon-themed books, with Central America as the setting for these events,” shares Bagley. “I have since come to believe that the events in the Book of Mormon were actually in North America (or the “Heartland”) and “Book of Mormon Examples” is my first book to show that imagery.” The book helps teach gospel principles including prayer, service, keeping covenants (promises with God), and loving one another.

A talk given by Latter-day Saint Prophet Russell M. Nelson entitled “ Think Celestial!” was the inspiration for the second book. Bagley shares that the book “begins with our premortal lives before coming to earth, living the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, making choices, and eventually returning to our Heavenly Father and Jesus.”

The book’s cover art features two children with umbrellas, beneath a rainbow. Bagley emphasizes the symbolism of the rainbow in the Old Testament

scriptures saying, “the rainbow represents a covenant between God and man. ‘When I think Celestial’ strongly embraces the symbolism of the covenant rainbow.

“The “world” has hijacked the image of the rainbow to mean something completely different, and my book aims to reclaim what it truly should represent.”

Securing written permission from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the phrase “Think Celestial” underscores Bagley’s commitment to authenticity and reverence. Despite the hurdles, Bagley’s determination prevailed, affirming his unwavering dedication to crafting meaningful, spiritually enriching works.

The books make for great sabbath day “quiet books and both books can be found in Hastings in Afton, will be carried in Deseret Book and be found at Amazon.com and the publisher’s website at cedarfort.com.