So, why the update? Because the heart of the message remains timeless: You are loved. You are protected. You are not alone.
But the language of the battle has shifted. Today’s warrior kid isn't necessarily holding a plastic sword against a visible monster. She is holding a plush toy while praying for the courage to walk into a new classroom. He is closing a laptop because the Shield of Faith told him to log off.
Hey, Warrior Kids. Put on your armor.
Not because you are going to hurt anyone, but because you are too precious to be hurt by the lies of fear. The battle is real—but so is your victory. And this time, you don’t have to do it alone.
End Feature.
Equipping the Next Generation: A Deep Dive into "Hey Warrior Kids! Put On Your Armor!"
As parents and educators, we often look for ways to help children navigate the challenges of the world with confidence and faith. Virginia Finnie’s book, Hey Warrior Kids! Put On Your Armor!, has become a go-to resource for teaching children about spiritual protection in an engaging, child-friendly way.
This updated guide transforms the biblical concept of the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:13-18 into a relatable "custom-fit" toolkit for modern kids. What is "Hey Warrior Kids!" About?
The book serves as a "script" or devotional that parents can use to walk children through each piece of spiritual armor. It moves away from "scary" traditional imagery, instead using bright, modern illustrations by Jeff Elliott to show children they are clothed for victory. The Armor Breakdown: Helmet of Salvation: Guarding the mind and thoughts. Breastplate of Righteousness: Protecting the heart. Shoes of Peace: Providing a firm foundation for every step.
Belt of Truth: Keeping everything secure and prepared for battle.
Shield of Faith: A mobile defense against life's challenges. Sword of the Spirit: The active word of God to stand firm. Why the "Updated" Version Matters
The updated 36-page edition (published in 2017) includes several bonus features that make it more than just a storybook:
"Are You God's Kid?" Invitation: A gentle guide for children to make a personal decision to follow faith.
Armor of God Prayer: A daily prayer tool kids can use to "suit up" every morning.
Coloring Pages: Interactive sections (in print versions) to keep kids engaged with the themes. Practical Ways to Use the Book
Reviewers and parents have found creative ways to integrate these lessons into daily life:
Daily Devotionals: Breaking the book into sections to focus on one piece of armor each day. pdf hey warrior kids put on your armor updated
Camp Themes: The book is frequently used as a curriculum for "Armor of God" summer camps or Sunday school lessons.
Bedtime Routine: Using the engaging questions throughout the text to spark meaningful conversations before sleep. Conclusion: More Than Just a Story
Whether you're looking for a Kindle version for quick reading or a physical copy for coloring, Hey Warrior Kids! empowers children to see themselves not as victims of their circumstances, but as warriors equipped by God. It simplifies complex theology into "everyday language" that captures a child's heart and imagination. Review of Hey Warrior Kids!: Put On Your Armor!
Virginia Finnie’s "Hey Warrior Kids! Put On Your Armor!" (updated second edition) translates the biblical Armor of God from Ephesians 6:13-18 into relatable, actionable, and interactive spiritual protection concepts for children. The book functions as a daily devotional tool, using tangible metaphors like the Belt of Truth and Shield of Faith to help children develop a resilient spiritual identity. For more details, visit Amazon. Review of Hey Warrior Kids!: Put On Your Armor!
We often shy away from the word "warrior" when it comes to children. We want them to be kind, gentle, and peaceful. But being a warrior for God isn't about being aggressive; it is about being prepared.
When we teach kids to be "Warrior Kids," we aren't teaching them to fight people. We are teaching them to stand firm. The Bible tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. Kids feel this struggle when they are scared of the dark, when a friend excludes them at school, or when they feel like they aren't "good enough."
A Warrior Kid knows that they don't fight in their own strength. They fight by standing on the truth of God's promises.
The original teaching often depicted one brave kid in shining armor. The update? A phalanx.
“No kid should fight alone,” says the new Warrior Kids handbook. The concept of Squad Armor has been introduced. This teaches children that their small group, their family, and their church friends are interlocking shields.
When one kid faces a panic attack before a test, their friend’s Shield of Faith covers them. When one kid lies to get out of trouble, the Belt of Truth from the group holds them accountable. The battle becomes we, not me.
(Intro/Chant) Hey Warrior Kids! (Hey!) Are you ready? (Yes!) It’s time to suit up! Put on your armor!
(Verse 1) We’re in a battle, but we don’t have to fear We have a God who is always near He gives us strength to stand and fight Walking in the power of His might!
(Chorus) Put on your armor, piece by piece So the enemy’s lies will never reach We stand for truth, we stand for right We are warriors in the light! (Clap, Clap!) Hey Warrior Kids!
(Verse 2 - The Belt of Truth) First, grab the Belt of Truth It holds everything together, it’s our proof God’s Word is true, it never lies So tighten that belt and realize!
(Verse 3 - The Breastplate of Righteousness) Next, put on the Breastplate Guarding your heart, it’s never late Living for Jesus, doing what’s right Protecting your heart with all your might!
(Verse 4 - The Shoes of Peace) Lace up your Shoes of Peace Walking in love helps the fighting cease Ready to go, ready to share The Good News of Jesus everywhere! So, why the update
(Verse 5 - The Shield of Faith) Raise up the Shield of Faith Blocking the darts that the devil makes Trust in God, no matter what you face You are covered by His amazing grace!
(Verse 6 - The Helmet of Salvation) Put on the Helmet of Salvation Protecting your mind for every occasion Remember you are saved, you belong to the King It changes the way you think of everything!
(Verse 7 - The Sword of the Spirit) Pick up the Sword of the Spirit The Word of God—let’s say it, let’s hear it! Use your sword to fight the lie God’s Word is powerful, it won't run dry!
(Bridge / Scripture Recitation) Ephesians 6:10-11 says: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."
(Outro) The battle is won! The victory is His! Hey Warrior Kids! Take your stand! (Amen!)
updated edition (second edition) of Hey Warrior Kids! Put On Your Armor!
by Virginia Finnie includes several new features and enhancements designed to make the spiritual lessons of Ephesians 6:13-18 more accessible and interactive for children. Amazon.com Key Features of the Updated Edition Armor of God Prayer for Children
: A new daily prayer designed for kids to recite out loud, helping them visualize putting on their spiritual armor each morning. Invitation and Declaration Page
: An "Are You God's Kid?" invitation page written in simple terms for children to understand the plan of salvation, followed by a space for them to sign their name declaring "I am God's kid!". Interactive Coloring Elements Full Coloring Pages
: Extra pages at the end of the book to reinforce the teaching through activity. Text Borders
: Design borders throughout the text pages that children can color as they read. Increased Physical Size
: The book is printed in a larger format that is easier for "little hands" to hold and navigate. Age-Appropriate Language
: The text uses everyday language and a "script-like" energy to capture the attention of children aged 5–12 years Detailed Armor Breakdown
: Each piece of the armor (Helmet of Salvation, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of Peace, Belt of Truth, Shield of Faith, and Sword of the Spirit) is explained with engaging questions to help children understand its practical use. Amazon.com Product Specifications Virginia Finnie Illustrator Jeff Elliott Page Count 36–40 pages (varies by edition) Target Audience Children ages 5–12
Available in Paperback and eBook (Note: coloring features are primarily in the print version)
You can find more details or purchase the book through retailers like Barnes & Noble lesson plans We often shy away from the word "warrior"
that pair specifically with this book for a Sunday school class?
This blog post explores "Hey Warrior Kids! Put On Your Armor!" Virginia Finnie
, a popular resource designed to help children understand and apply the biblical Armor of God.
Equipping Your Littlest Warriors: A Guide to the Updated "Hey Warrior Kids!"
In a world that can feel overwhelming, teaching children that they are protected and empowered is more important than ever. Hey Warrior Kids! Put On Your Armor! , written by Virginia Finnie
and illustrated by Jeff Elliott, has become a staple for Christian families and educators looking to bring Ephesians 6:13-18 What’s New in the Updated Edition?
Originally released in 2009, the updated second edition (2017) includes several enhancements designed for better engagement and practical use: Larger Format
: The physical book is now bigger, making it easier for "little hands" to hold and explore the bright, child-friendly illustrations. Daily Armor Prayer : A key addition is a specific Armor of God Prayer for Children
. This tool is intended for daily use to help kids start their day feeling "covered" and ready for whatever comes their way. Interactive Features
: The print edition now includes bonus coloring pages and decorative borders that children can color as they read, reinforcing the lessons through creativity. Key Lessons for Young Readers
The book simplifies complex spiritual concepts into a "custom-fit" guide for kids aged 4 to 12. It breaks down the six pieces of armor: Belt of Truth : Knowing what is real and true. Breastplate of Righteousness : Guarding the heart. Shoes of Peace : Standing firm and ready to move. Shield of Faith : Protection from doubts or "fiery darts." Helmet of Salvation : Guarding the mind and thoughts. Sword of the Spirit : Using God's Word (the Bible) as an active tool. Why Parents Love It Reviewers from platforms like Christian Children's Authors
praise the book for its energetic, conversational tone. Rather than being scary or overly formal, it presents spiritual warfare as an exciting opportunity for children to be "heroes" in God's army. It also includes a child-level "plan of salvation" to help them understand what it means to follow Jesus. Accessing the Book
While many users search for a "PDF" version, the book is officially available as a Kindle eBook
. Note that the bonus coloring features are exclusive to the print edition.
: For parents also dealing with childhood anxiety, there is a similarly titled but different book, Hey Warrior
by Karen Young, which uses the "warrior" metaphor to explain the amygdala and brain science to kids. Sunday school activity based on these armor pieces?