Childish Prodigy is the third studio album by American indie rock musician Kurt Vile, released on October 6, 2009 on Matador Records.

Childish Prodigy, however, marked Vile's first attempt at crafting a cohesive, studio-based album.

Vile noted, "It was more involved than anything I had done and it was the first time I worked on something as a whole actual album, as a single piece.

"[11] Vile recorded the album with producer Jeff Zeigler, prior to signing to Matador Records, and noted, "The time I went into the studio with Jeff [Zeigler], I knew he was into more far-out stuff and kind of crazy gear.

Regarding the album's overall aesthetic, and the increased involvement of backing band The Violators, Vile noted, "It's way more of a full-band-style arrangement, and I think at times it gets a little darker.