Hello, kidlit friends!
We’re baaaaaack! That’s right, the #KidlitChuckleChallenge is back for its second year! Kris DeCaro, April Berry, Julie Hauswirth, and Bri Lawyer are excited to host this year’s kidlit HUMOR writing contest.
As writers/readers who love humor, we created the #KidlitChuckleChallenge – an opportunity for writers to get creative in a genre they love (or maybe are uncomfortable in!), make new connections, generate ideas, and practice writing, revising and submitting work.
Like last year, participants will choose one character and one object (mix-n-match style) from the list below, then write an entry that features the character and object in an important way. The entry can be up to 200 words including art notes, and it must be FUNNY!
HOW TO ENTER:
Complete the official entry form by CLICKING HERE. The form will be open from 8:00am CST September 14th until 10:00pm CST September 16th.
Keep an eye on our social media feeds. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share some resources, favorite funny picture books, jokes, and more to help get your humor skills in tip-top shape!
Grab a participant badge and read on to learn more about contest rules, prizes, judges, and more!
Contest Rules
- All writers 18 years or older are welcome to enter.
- One entry per person.
- All entries must be submitted via the Google Form from September 14 at 8:00am CENTRAL until September 16 at 10:00pm CENTRAL time.
- Entries will ONLY be accepted via Google Form. Google Forms will cause your entry to lose its formatting. We suggest you do not rely on formatting to get your point across. If you need to emphasize, use CAPs.
- Entries can be no more than 200 words including art notes. This means your story + the art notes cannot exceed 200 words.
- Your title is NOT included in the word count.
- Art notes should be in [brackets] so you don’t waste words on “art note”.
- Entries must contain a character and an object selected from the list provided below, and they must play an important role in your story. You can mix and match your character & object, i.e. Dodo Detective and Bouncy House of Doom.
- You may NOT use AI to write your story or assist you in story writing.
- Entries must be appropriate for children 0-12 years old.
- Entries must be funny! All humor is welcome: silly, random, dark, potty, etc.
- You can rhyme if you want.
- Remember: Writing is subjective and humor is super subjective, entries will be judged on if they make us laugh! Don’t stress and do your best!
| Characters | Objects |
|---|---|
| Mrs. Creature, Substitute Teacher | Remote Control |
| Bob McFartyPants | Ugly Friendship Bracelet |
| Dodo Detective | Soggy Grilled Cheese |
| Janie Complainy | Smelly Perfume |
| Terrified T-rex | Broken Watch |
| Frankenflounder | Bouncy House of Doom |
Time to get writing… and don’t forget that your character and object must play an important role in your story! Mix-n-match away!
Judges
Entries will be judged based on the criteria above and the tastes of each individual judge. Here’s a little bit about each of us so you know your audience!
Kris DeCaro
Kris mostly writes humorous picture books, but occasionally dabbles in other genres. She is a member of SCBWI, 12×12, and has had a poem published in Highlights High Five. She is represented by Stephanie Winter at KO Media Management and you can find her mumbling amusing thoughts on X @MusingMomMumbles.
Kris enjoys all humor from silly to dark. She enjoys an unexpected surprise or twist and loves to see smart use of art notes.
April Berry
April is a children’s book author. When she is not reading or writing, April enjoys road trips, nature hikes, and eating ice cream. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her husband and their three children. April is represented by Katie Monson of SBR Media.
As a judge for the Kidlit Chuckle Challenge, April is excited for stories with clever humor and unexpected twists. Also, bring on the puns and wordplay!
Bri Lawyer
Bri is a former teacher turned humorous picture book author. She has poems published in Little Thoughts Press, The Toy Magazine, and The Dirigible Balloon. Her debut picture book, TriceraCHOPS, is set for publication spring 2028! When she isn’t writing, she enjoys taking her kids to the lake, playing volleyball, and planning vacations! She is represented by Jen Newens of MLM.
Bri loves all kinds of humor—witty, dark, silly, even potty humor. If it’s funny, she’s here for it. Her favorite things are unexpected twists and surprise endings!
Julie Hauswirth
Julie is a former educator turned children’s author. Her work has been published in The Toy, Little Thoughts Press, The Dirigible Balloon, and the Cape Cod Times. She loves hanging out at the library and spending time with her family. Julie is represented by CoCo Freeman of the Linda Chester Agency.
When it comes to humor, Julie loves the unexpected, extremes, and clever wordplay. Bonus points for a dash of heart!
PRIZES!
We are THRILLED to have so many generous kidlit professionals donate their time, expertise, and books for this year’s contest! Be sure to thank them by following them on social media, purchasing or requesting their books at your local library, and leaving reviews!
Winners will rank their top prize preferences, and we will do our best to match everyone with one of their top choices. ALL of these prizes are fantastic though. We can hardly wait to connect winners with prize donors! Winners and honorable mentions should be announced by October 1st. We will update via our social media feeds if that timeline changes.
Summit Only Ticket from Picture Book Summit
Picture Book Summit is a world-class online summit for picture book authors and illustrators. This year’s theme is Big, Bold, Brave! Supercharge your Picture Books, and the amazing conference speakers include Susan Verde, Jason Chin, Vashti Harrison, and more.
One Month Access to The PB Retreat Picture Book Revision Courses (including Four Signature Courses) from Ebony Lynn Mudd
Ebony is a children’s book author, co-creator of the PB Rising Stars mentorship program, and host of The PB Retreat community. She has multiple picture books releasing soon, including Just Like Tina, Junior Takes a Leap and Swim Like Them.
Picture Book Humor Lab Self-Study Course with Brittany Pomales
Brittany is the author of It Started with a P. She is a #PBParty judge and the host of #KidlitHaHaWeek! She is launching her Picture Book Humor Lab Course in November/December.
Winner’s Choice of One Webinar from 12 x 12
The 12 x 12 Challenge is an inclusive and supportive learning community for picture books authors and illustrators at all experience levels. Its webinars are known for providing “Insider Tips and Tricks from Industry Heavyweights.”
How to Write Rhyming Picture Books On-Demand Course with Tracy Gold
Tracy is the children’s book author of Everyone’s Sleepy but the Baby, Call Your Mother, Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat, and Hide and Seek, Nuts to Eat.
Picture Book Critique (fiction, 600 words or less) with Kaitlyn Sanchez
Kaitlyn is a Literary Agent with Bradford Literary Agency. She also hosts Spring Fling Kidlit Contest, Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest, and Kidlit Zombie Week.
Query Critique with Jen Newens
Jen is a Senior Literary Agent with Martin Literary Management as well as an editor and author.
Critique delivered via video call with Tara Lazar
Tara is the author of numerous funny picture books, including Flat Cat, Bloop, and 7 ate 9. She is also the host of #Storystorm.
Signed copy of WHODONUT? from Josh Funk
Josh is the author of several picture book series, including How to CODE, It’s Not a Fairy Tale, and Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast. His website is also home to Josh Funk’s Guide to Writing Picture Books.
30-minute Zoom AMA with Andrew Hacket
Andrew is the author of several picture books, including Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea, Curlilocks and the Three Hares, and Hope and the Sea. He also runs a blog called The Backstory.
Signed copy of HART & SOULS from Lisa Schmid
Lisa is the author of middle grade novels Ollie Oxley and the Ghost and Hart & Souls. She is also a co-host of the podcast Writers with Wrinkles.
Signed copy of OLLIE OXLEY AND THE GHOST from Lisa Schmid
Lisa is the author of middle grade novels Ollie Oxley and the Ghost and Hart & Souls. She is also a co-host of the podcast Writers with Wrinkles.
Winner’s choice of a PB Critique OR 1-Hour Zoom AMA from Audrey Perrott
Audrey is a children’s author whose works include Moo Hoo, Baa Haa, A Hat For House, and the upcoming graphic novel series Once Upon a Tail (2026).
Winner’s choice of a PB manuscript critique OR an AMA Zoom OR signed copies of PIE-RATS and EMBARRASSED FERRET from Lisa Riddiough
Lisa is the author of several books, including the hilarious picture books Pie-Rats and Embarrassed Ferret.
Winner’s choice of a giant crocheted pencil plushie OR a signed copy of A GIFT FOR NAI NAI from Kim-Hoa Ung
Kim-Hoa is a picture book author-illustrator and an amigurumi artist. Her debut picture book is A Gift for Nai Nai.
Winner’s choice of a pitch OR query OR non-rhyming PB manuscript critique OR a signed copy of ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS from Kristi Mahoney
Kristi is a children’s book author whose debut picture book, Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians, released in October 2024. The sequel, Owls Make Terrible Teachers, is due in Spring of 2026.
Signed copy of THIS IS NOT A SLEEPY BEAR BOOK with Brian Gehrlein
Brian is the author of The Book of Rules and the upcoming This is Not a Sleepy Bear Book (coming out November 11th!), creator of PB Spotlight, and Picture Book Story Coach extraordinaire.
30-minute AMA session with Sylvia Chen
Sylvia is the author of Tricky Chopsticks and the upcoming picture book, Sparkles for Sunny: A Lunar New Year Story. She is also a #PBParty Judge!
Winner’s choice of a non-rhyming PB manuscript critique OR AMA session with Brenna Jeanneret
Brenna is the author of The Law of Birthdays: A Story About Choice. She also co-hosts the podcast You May Contribute a Verse.
Winner’s choice of a manuscript critique (PB, fiction, non-rhyming) OR a 30-minute zoom session from Ana Siqueira
Ana is a teacher and the author of several picture books, including If Your Babysitter is a Bruja, Abuela’s Super Capa, La Mala Suerte is Following Me, and more!
1st 10 Pages Critique of a MG or YA Novel from Demi Michelle Schwartz at Amethyst Ink
Demi is a young adult fantasy and thriller author and the owner of Amethyst Ink Editorial.
PB and Query Letter Critique from Alicia Meyers
Alicia is a children’s author with publication credits in High-Five, The Toy Press, The Dirigible Balloon, Little Thoughts Press. Her debut picture book Tic-errific Me releases in 2026.
AMA Session with Becky Scharnhorst
Becky is author of several picture books, including My School Stinks, This Field Trip Stinks, How to Get Your Octopus to School, and Best Buds.
Winner’s Choice of a 45-Minute AMA Session OR a PB Critique (up to 700 words, non rhyming) from Lizzie Brooks
Lizzie is author of the upcoming picture book Imperfectly Perfect Posey (2026) and offers a variety of professional author services.
Winner’s Choice of a 30-Minute AMA Session OR a PB Critique (800 words or less) OR Copy of BANANAS IN THE BATH (U.S. Only) from Andi Chitty
Andi is author of Bananas in the Bath and the soon-to-be-released Rock-a-Bye, Forever. Andi has experience in self-publishing as well as traditional publishing. She also hosts Storytime Sprint.
PB Critique from Danielle Render Turmaud
Danielle is a children’s book author and host of the You, Me, and the Writing Journey podcast. She also hosts the #YouDeservepIt hype pitch event as well as Take Your Kid to Publishing Day.
Signed Copy of THE QUIET FOREST from Abi Cushman
Abi is a children’s book author and illustrator. Her books include Soaked!, Animals Go Vroom!, The Quiet Forest (words by Charlotte Offsay), and Wombats are Pretty Weird.
Signed Copy of IGGY WHO BREATHES FIRE and Signed Copy of ALFRED BLOOMS from Carrie Kruck
Carrie is a children’s picture book author. Her books include Iggy Who Breathes Fire and Alfred Blooms.
PB Manuscript Critique (non-rhyming, up to 750 words) from Dara Henry
Dara is author of the Hanukkah Pajamakkahs picture book!
Signed Copy of THE RECESS GENIUS 2 from Janet Sumner Johnson
Janet is author of several middle grade and picture books, including The Winterton Deception series, The Last Great Adventure of the PB&J Society, Not My Circus, Braver than Brave, and more!
There will be several honorable mentions as well!
Disclaimer: While we think many of our prizes are priceless, in general books have a value range of $20-$30, AMA calls range from $40-$250, and critiques from $50-$250. The Picture Book Humor Lab Course value is $120. The How to Write Rhyming Picture Books course value is $129. The PB Retreat access is valued at $39.99. The PB Summit virtual ticket value is $297, and the 12×12 webinar value is $67. Odds: The odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received, according to the eligibility requirements. As a reminder, winners will get the chance to pick their top prize preferences. Prizes will be awarded on a first email response/first pick basis. We will do our best to match you with one of your top picked prizes. Book copies will only be mailed to U.S. mailing addresses. Remember this is a friendly contest that was created to help us practice our writing skills. We hope you enjoy!
Sample Entry
Remember- since we are using Google Forms to gather entries, you will lose your formatting when you submit. Please don’t rely on formatting to make a point! You should also include any art notes in [brackets] and keep them brief. You don’t have to say “art note”!
Here’s a sample entry so you can see how the formatting changes once it’s entered into the form:
Questions?
Email Kris at krisdecarowrites@gmail.com and she will get back to you as soon as she can!
Let the Kidlit Chuckle Challenge Begin!
Be sure to follow us on social media for contest updates, resources, and conversation! Leave a comment to let us know you’ll be participating and say hello to fellow participants. We can’t wait to read your entries!
Let’s get laughing,
Kris (Twitter / BlueSky / Instagram ),
April (Twitter / BlueSky / Instagram ),
Julie (Twitter / BlueSky ),
& Bri (Twitter / BlueSky / Instagram )
This sounds like a lot of fun! Is it all right to use all the object and characters?
Thanks so much, Chris, April, Julie and Bri for sponsoring this contest, and to Lou for notifying me about it. What a hoot. Just so much fun to step outside my comfort zone of normally creating info./fiction. I loved it. Good luck to everyone that enters. There’s a few hours left…