Finding The Divine Child -
A Journey of Spirit, Light and Art
Books now available at:
Art and Soul Gallery - 1323 State Street - Santa Barbara
Chaucers Books - 3321 State Street - Santa Barbara
Tecolote Book Shop - 1470 East Valley Road - Montecito
Farm to Paper - 2325 Lillie Ave - Summerland
Also available on Amazon in print and digital format
Audio book on Kindle available this Spring
Finding The Divine Child invites readers into the extraordinary life of Rod Lathim: a fourth-generation Santa Barbaran, groundbreaking writer and director, visionary producer, and acclaimed visual artist. With honesty, humor, and heartfelt clarity, Lathim reveals how his creative path has been shaped, challenged, and ultimately illuminated by Spirit.
At just fifteen, while working in the Wine Cellar of The Big Yellow House in Summerland, California, Rod encountered mysteries that forever changed the trajectory of his life. These early experiences opened a doorway to a lifelong exploration of the human spirit — expressed through authentic storytelling, transformative art, and work that inspires healing and meaningful social change.
His journey also led him to chronicle the remarkable history of Summerland and its founding family in the first three published editions of The Spirit of the Big Yellow House. The fourth and final edition appears in the book as a special addendum.
Both deeply personal and universally resonant, Finding The Divine Child is a story of awakening, an invitation to rediscover wonder, trust the unseen guidance that surrounds us, and reconnect with the light that lives within us all.
A full color, 317-page book with over 140 images
Cover and interior art by Meganne Forbes
Edited by Nancy Shobe
Available only at Art & Soul Gallery in Santa Barbara February 5-21, then in bookstores in Santa Barbara, Montecito and Summerland after February 25th, and online at Amazon.com, digital book also available. Audio book read by Rod Lathim available in March. 2026.
“Rod offers extraordinary and valuable guidance into how we can each connect with the divine child within to live more joyful and empowered lives. His fascinating true stories are not only remarkable, they are also transformative.”
“Rod has clearly figured out how to lead a happy, productive life … one centered on artistic and spiritual quests … yet grounded in a practical day-to-day record of high achievement as one of Santa Barbara’s most effective people. Whether writing or directing a play, promoting a film, raising funds for a theatre, offering wisdom to seekers, and so much more, Rod gets it done with cheer and grace. In my eight decades, Rod stands out as the person whose life I most admire. This book is a guide for us all.”
“Rod Lathim’s inspiring book is a compelling read. Perhaps more importantly, it also offers a warm welcome to your own journey of spirit.”