Praise for The Epistles for Kids
A verse-by-verse translation of God's word that is trusted by teachers, scholars, pastors, and parents, and enjoyed by kids.
The Epistles for Kids is a genuine, verse-by-verse translation from the original language, not a paraphrase or retelling. That distinction matters to the theologians and educators who've reviewed it, and it's why the series has earned the trust of the church.
It's this combination of theological integrity and thoughtful design that has made The Epistles for Kids the award-winning, 2026 Australian Christian Book of the Year.
Along the way, we've been blessed to partner with some wonderful ministries, and to share this project across Christian media, from podcasts to publications, as more and more people discover what makes this series different.
But don't just take our word for it. Here's what mums, pastors, scholars and teachers are saying about The Epistles for Kids.
Jocelyn Loane
Mum of 5 | Author of Motherhood: How the gospel shapes our purpose and priorities
As a mum, I have always felt deeply frustrated that most children's Bibles make little or no attempt to cover the New Testament letters. That's why I'm so thrilled that the work of The Epistles for Kids project is bringing this part of the scriptures to our kids in language that is both faithful to the text and understandable for their stage of development.
Alistair Begg
Truth for Life | Former Senior Pastor
The Epistles for Kids project is terrific. When I was a boy it was clear, accessible, Bible material that led me to Jesus. Now as a grandparent I covet the same for future generations. (Psalm 71:17-18).
I strongly encourage you to support this project.
Gary Millar
Principal, Queensland Theological College
When I first saw this project, my first thought was ‘Why on earth has no-one thought of this before?’
I still don’t have an answer for that, but I have been completely persuaded that we need to do everything we can to ensure that these brilliant translations of the New Testament get into the hands of as many people as possible - children, parents, grandparents, whole churches - because everyone will benefit from this.
The translation work is careful and beautifully appropriate for children. The illustrations are delightful and are carefully chosen to reinforce the message of the text. I commend this project wholeheartedly.
Leah McKenna
Founder of ‘Raising Disciples’ | raisingdisciples.com.au
This resource is a fabulous middle step for parents who want their kids to transition away from children’s bible’s to reading the full biblical text.
It can be hard to know how to help our children read their own Bibles when the language and concepts seem so foreign and advanced.
The Epistles for Kids help to expose children to actual books of the Bible while using understandable language and engaging illustrations. I’m very excited to use these with my own children.
Officially award-winning
The Epistles for Kids has the honour of being named the 2026 Australian Christian Book of the Year by SparkLit.
Judges praised its plain language and illustrations for bringing Scripture to life while keeping the focus on people, not abstract ideas. We are so proud of this award.
Bruce Linton
Co Ordinator Youth & Children’s CMS NSW
The Epistles for Kids project is quite simply breathtaking. I have been involved with teaching youth and children from the bible since 1985. I have seen many attempts to make God’s word more accessible, but I have honestly never seen anything as helpful as The Epistles for Kids.
Its genius lies in its commitment to God’s word. It has such a clear understanding of what scripture is and an equally clear view of where it needs to go.
The beauty of the partnership between Matt and Thom is unique. They have found a genuine partnership between word and image with the end result being that God’s word is accessible to people who until now have not had access.
Sandy Galea
Founder & Director of Kidswise
For the child, the Epistles have long been unread letters at the end of the Bible. Not anyone more. The Epistles for Kids has changed that. Books like Philippians, Colossians and 1 Peter are now accessible for every child.
These books are beautifully illustrated and lyrically written. They are edifying for both adults and children.
A great resource for a church to use to explore a letter together, for parents to read with their children, or for children to read themselves.
What a joy it is to see these precious letters come to life for children.
In the press
Gospel Coalition Australia
Australian Church Record
Thomas Habib
Lecturer in Greek & New Testament, Moore Theological College
I am very excited by the Epistles for Kids project and believe that it could fill a clear need in the church: a translation of the New Testament that children can read and understand.
From what I have seen so far, Matt’s translation is dynamic and faithful, seeking to clearly communicate the Word of God in a manner accessible to his target audience. As a parent of three young children, I would happily read this with them.
Annabel Nixey
Mum of 3 & Gospel Worker
A joy to read. A gift to share. The New Testament letters are God’s word for kids (as well as adults). This project lets kids hear the scriptures in words and ideas they click with. God’s truths leap off the page.
With beautiful and thoughtful illustrations, these letters spur on kids (and adults!) to keep running, to treasure Jesus and to join the team telling others the good news.
Peter Jensen
Former Anglican Archbishop of Sydney
I have always had a deep interest in ministry to children. One of the things in which I think we could do better, is to break out of the habit of merely telling stories, important though they are. Hence my commitment to the catechism and to suitable doctrinal teaching.
But I must confess that it had not crossed my mind to provide our young people with the ability to access the NT epistles in a form which they could understand. Matt saw the need and has sought to meet it with these books. The illustrations serve the text brilliantly and the language he uses will communicate effectively. What this work does is initiate our children into the riches of the epistles. I am very keen to try it out!
Susanna Baldwin
Bible Translator, Wycliffe, Northern Territory, Indigenous Project
I have been excited to follow the progress of The Epistles for Kids project since Matt first shared his ideas and vision with me. My own work with Wycliffe Bible Translators has opened my eyes to the need for more 'accessible English' Scripture resources to cater both to younger Bible readers and to an increasingly multicultural Australia.
The Epistles for Kids is a rare, perhaps unique, example of an 'easy English' Bible that successfully combines aesthetic appeal with an economical style that truly preserves both the textual and exegetical integrity of our received Scriptures. I eagerly look forward to seeing how God uses this magnificent work to bless His people and grow His kingdom.
Global Impact
"Away from the big cities, kids Bibles for family devotionals and children’s ministry are both few and far between and financially out of reach for most.
To have a well written, visually stimulating, and faithful translation of the Bible in Spanish that is apt for whole families, especially those starved of education opportunities, would be a powerful resource to families and Sunday School teachers alike.
The Epistles for Kids seeks to make this happen. The scope of use for what Matt and Thom are aiming to produce cannot be overstated.
Worker in Andean South American
(Name withheld at their request)
Colin Buchanan
Singer & Songwriter
As someone who has spent decades seeking to shape the deep truths of Scripture into song, I’m delighted by and in awe of The Epistles for Kids. Carefully crafting God’s timeless scriptures into words that land his truth in understandable ways is a formidable, serious task.
Simple, deep, divine truth carries a power that God uses to amaze, compel, convict and transform young and old alike. Because it’s God’s living and active word, The Epistles for Kids has the power to humble us all in the simple, faithful, compelling presentation of all God has kindly chosen to reveal to us in his word.
John Woodhouse
Former Principal, Moore Theological College
I would like to commend and support The Epistles for Kids— a quite brilliant and important initiative in my opinion.
The presentation of the idea speaks for itself. I can only say that I believe Matt is just the right person for such a project and that the project seems to me to be as important as he argues.
The work done so far is wonderfully engaging. It shows the promise of this unique project. Matt’s love for and understanding of children is evident, as well as his passion to express the wonders of these Scriptures. Matt brings to this project a depth of theological reflection that will, I believe, enrich the work.
Loved by kids & parents
"Our family bookshelves are overflowing with multiple versions of Daniel and the lions’ den, yet only a passing glance at Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and beyond.
The Epistles for Kids is exactly what we needed! It’s an absolutely extraordinary work, just as gripping as any Old Testament adventure but faithful to the meaning of the New Testament letters."
Steve & Lauren Driscoll
University Ministry Workers
Thankful our Godly partners
