In an interview with Premier NexGen, Chip Kendall explains how his new Level Up series uses interesting facts, stories, and biblical values to help children make wise choices and see themselves—and others—through God’s eyes
Chip, what is the Level Up series, and who’s it for?
The Level Up series is a set of books for 8–12-year-olds, aiming to help them “level up” in life by growing in character and wisdom. I believe in levelling with your kids—being honest and real; when you do that, you can help them level up to the next stage, asking: “What wisdom can I pass on?” The series includes The Silent Spark (potential), The Echo Effect (respect), The Courage Code (confidence), and The Wonder Switch (curiosity).
It’s all based on my 26 years in school’s ministry. Often, I’d be invited to talk about a certain value or topic in school assemblies, so I’ve combined everything I’ve learned and taught into these books. If they’re popular, I hope to write more—resilience is next on my mind.
it’s an on-ramp to faith—helping kids level up their lives and, hopefully, eventually meet Jesus
What inspired you to write these books?
My youngest, Elliott, just left primary and started secondary school. I prayed, “God, am I done with primary ministry now?” because I’ve done so much work with kids—Bible songs, kids albums, running kids tents at big festivals, touring with the Praise Ship Orbitron. I felt God say, “Don’t lean out—lean in. If you want to pass wisdom to Gen Alpha, what would that look like?” That’s when the book series idea came. If I could leave a book version of Chip K in schools, what would it be? Partnering with artist Hannah Joy Williams, who worked with us on kids albums, made it really come alive.
The books have a mix of Bible stories, history, and fun facts. Why did you choose that approach?
I wanted these to work especially in Church of England schools—there are about 4,500 of them, but many are filled with children from all faiths or none. A lot of Muslim families, for example, choose Church of England schools to ensure their kids grow up in a faith-based environment. So, I aimed for something that’s values-based, not preachy, but still includes Jesus alongside figures like Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Rosa Parks.
I want these books to help children of any background see Jesus for who he really is
We use Bible stories, but weave them into stories from history and facts from nature. Romans 1 says God’s invisible qualities are seen in creation, so we let kids see design in the world and make up their own minds. We’re not telling them exactly what to believe, but we’re pointing them toward big, Christian values like respect and potential. Ideally, it’s an on-ramp to faith—helping kids level up their lives and, hopefully, eventually meet Jesus.
What’s your vision for how the books will be used?
A friend in my prayer group prophesied that we’d get a full set of these books in every Church of England school. One of the guys is a headteacher and has already put them in his school. We’re talking with some big agencies about wider distribution.
that’s the goal—truth, presented in a way kids can grasp, so they can “level up” in life
After seeing the breadth of children in the schools it struck me that the Church of England schools could be there not just for education, but for re-education, helping kids from all backgrounds see what Christianity really is—God’s love, truth, and grace.
I want these books to help children of any background see Jesus for who he really is, that’s the goal—truth, presented in a way kids can grasp, so they can “level up” in life.
What feedback have you had so far?
It’s doing exactly what I hoped! One dad told me his son ran upstairs to grab his copy of The Silent Spark when they had a rugby player staying over. He’d written the athlete’s name as his ‘hero’ in the book and wanted to show him. It sparked a great conversation. I get loads of positive reports like that—kids and parents connecting, talking about real values and heroes. It’s very encouraging.
Read more:
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Tell us about the book The Echo Effect—why focus on respect?
Respect is one of the most common values I speak about in schools. Primary schools especially want children to understand that respect isn’t just a demand, but a value—they are worthy of respect, and they should show it to others. The ’echo effect’ is real: what you put out, you get back. If you show disrespect, you can expect to get it. If you show respect—even just looking the dinner lady in the eye and saying thank you—you show respect and build honour. The book looks at respect for others, for the environment, for elders, and for God.
Anything else you want to say to parents or churches?
If your kids aren’t the right age for these books, consider buying one for another family at church who has a child in that 8–12 range. It takes a village to raise a child—why not be the person who gives out something that can genuinely help?
The Level Up Series can be bought here.
Chip Kendall’s music can be found at Audacious Kids Music and at Worship House Kids.
