Kim Walker-Smith wants parents to think about the messages their children carry with them-and her new children's album, Known and Loved, puts that concern into song. Created in collaboration with Christian entertainment platform TruPlay, the project connects worship music with character stories designed to point young listeners toward Jesus.
The 11-track album arrived October 2 and is available now on streaming platforms. In a new Instagram post, Walker-Smith explained that the project began with a parent's perspective: "What do I want my kids to be singing? What kind of message do I want them to hear?"
Those questions shaped both the album's purpose and its connection to TruPlay's characters. Walker-Smith told followers that names appearing in the song titles-including Oliver and Lucas-belong to characters whose stories helped inspire the writing. The songs give families another way to engage with those stories through music.
"TruPlay cares about kids and families and has made it their mission to create something fun, safe, and something that keeps pointing kids back to JESUS!" she wrote. "It's been an honor to partner with them on this!"
According to TruPlay, seven of the album's 11 songs were written for its characters, with themes including courage, identity, fear and faith. The company describes the central message as an assurance that children are known and loved by God, bringing the album's songs and game stories together around that conviction.
The track list includes "Known and Loved (Oliver's Song)," "Armor On (Benjamin's Song)," "I Belong (Ava's Song)" and "Let Love In (Lucas' Song)." Other selections include "Let You Take the Lead (Maple's Song)," "Friends with the Fire (Isabella's Song)" and "No Fear (Noah's Song)," alongside the opening "Out of the Ordinary (TruPlay Theme Song)."
The collaboration also extends beyond audio streaming. TruPlay says the official videos for "Armor On" and "Known and Loved" are available inside its app, which offers Bible-based games, comics and videos for children ages 4-12. The company states that the app contains no advertisements or chatrooms.
Walker-Smith's invitation to families is personal: consider what children are singing and the beliefs those words reinforce. With Known and Loved, she is offering songs written with those everyday listening moments in mind.
Listen to Known and Loved through Kim Walker-Smith's official website or find the album on Apple Music. Learn more about the collaboration at TruPlay.
