Kai – Playing his Part, by Joy Vee
Looking for books about practicing the presence of God for kids?
When Kai decides to learn a song on the keyboard for his school talent show, he discovers that practicing is harder than he thought. But at Kids’ Church, Alison teaches something even more important than musical skills: how to remember that Jesus is with you in every moment—not just on Sundays, but in the playground, at breakfast, even when you’re nervous or struggling.
Kai – Playing his Part teaches practicing the presence of God for kids through Kai’s journey learning to play the piano and remembering Jesus throughout his day. It will help your kids develop solid spiritual habits and teach them to pray. Young readers discover that the most life-changing skill isn’t a talent you perform – it’s remembering that you’re never alone.
Who is Kai – Playing his Part written for?
This book is perfect for children aged 6-9 who are learning what it means to walk with Jesus daily, particularly those who think about God on Sundays but forget about Him during the week. If your child struggles with worry, feels alone at school, or needs reassurance that Jesus is truly with them in ordinary moments, Kai’s story will resonate deeply.
What are readers saying?
“Loved how the topics in this book created conversation with my boys that otherwise may not have come about.” – Emma H
“It’s really hard to put the book down. The world’s best book!!” – Emily, age 8
Why do I need this book?
It teaches children that Jesus isn’t just for church – He’s with them everywhere. When Kai’s dad ends up in hospital and things get scary, Kai remembers the Bible verse: “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” Children learn to picture Jesus with them at school, in the playground, even during difficult moments, and discover how this changes everything.
It gives kids practical ways to remember Jesus throughout their day. Through simple reminders like picking up a pencil or opening a door, children learn to train their minds to notice Jesus’s presence. Just as Kai practices his song daily, kids discover that practicing the presence of God is a skill they can develop too—and it makes ordinary moments special.
It shows that practicing matters – in faith as much as in everything else. Kai learns the hard way that talent shows require consistent practice, not just last-minute effort. The same is true for remembering Jesus. This book gently teaches children that the habits they build now will shape their walk with God for life.
Can I read a sample first?
Of course! Here’s the moment when Kai discovers what it means to remember Jesus in an ordinary place:
Extract from Chapter 11
‘Let’s focus on your classroom at school,’ Alison continued, ‘because that’s where you spend most of your time. How would it be different if Jesus was in the room? If He sat next to you at your table? Or ate lunch with you? What would He see you doing and hear you saying?’
Kai recalled the unkind words he’d spoken to Harry in the last week. Would he have used those words if he had honestly thought Jesus was sitting next to him?
Alison gave everyone a new worksheet and asked them to work together listing all the places where Jesus is with them. Kai turned to Jack and Noah.
‘Let’s start at the beginning of the day,’ Noah suggested. ‘Jesus is with me when Mum shouts and tells me to get up.’
‘Jesus is there when I help my little brother Theo get dressed and when we’re rushing to breakfast club,’ Jack said, breaking into a smile. ‘I like the idea of Jesus hurrying alongside me.’
‘And Jesus is there at school when we do PE. He is running next to me, so I don’t come last on my own.’ Kai felt peaceful imagining Jesus jogging next to him. Somehow, he wasn’t bothered about Harry laughing at him if Jesus was last too.
Kai understood why Alison said this new talent would change their lives. He looked at the days listed on the worksheet. This week was going to be exciting!
Excerpt from Kai – Playing his Part © Joy Vee, 2022
Where Can I Purchase the Book?
You can buy paperbacks & ebooks directly from us here. This book is also available as an extra value series bundle here.
Joy is willing to speak to your Schools, Churches and Book Clubs, either in person or over Zoom. Please contact us for these and bulk purchasing options.
If you’d love this book but cannot afford it, we do run a bursary programme. Please contact us to request a book.