The 2026 KidLit Chuckle Challenge is Here!

Welcome, KidLit friends, to the 2026 #KidlitChuckleChallenge! The first-ever KidLit writing contest geared entirely toward HUMOR is back for its THIRD year in a row. Your Chuckle Challenge hosts - Me, Kris DeCaro, April Berry, and Bri Lawyer - can't wait to see what fantastically funny stories you come up with this year.

As writers/readers who love humor, we wanted to create an opportunity for other 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. Thus, the #KidlitChuckleChallenge was born!

Here's How it Works:

Participants choose ONE character and ONE object (mix-n-match style) from the lists 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 central September 10th-10:00pm central September 13th.

Be sure to follow us on social media and use the hashtag #KidLitChuckleChallenge to join the discussion, learn more about prizes, and make new KidLit friends!

Grab a participant badge and read on to learn more about contest rules, prizes, judges, and more!

Contest Rules

Judges

Prizes

Sample Entry

FAQ

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 10 at 8:00am CENTRAL until September 13 at 10:00pm CENTRAL time.

  • Entries will ONLY be accepted via Google Form. Google forms will make your entries lose their 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 the ONE character and the ONE object you selected, and they must play an important role in your story. You can mix and match any character with any object.

• Give your story a title and be sure to proofread and edit before submitting!

• You may NOT use AI to write your story or assist you in story writing. 

• Entries must be KidLit appropriate/for kids under age 12.

• Entries must be funny! All humor is welcome: silly, random, dark, potty, etc. 

• You can rhyme if you want, but be sure to check the meter!

• Remember: Writing is subjective and humor is super subjective, and entries will be judged on if they make us laugh! Don’t stress and do your best! 

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!

Kidlit Chuckle Challenge 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!

April Berry

April is a children’s book author and host of the Picture Book Postcards blog. 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!

Julie Hauswirth

Julie is an educator and children's author who loves creating stories that blend ordinary moments with a dash of magic... and humor, of course! Julie's debut picture book IF MY SISTER WERE A WORM is set for publication on October 20th and is available for pre-order. Julie is represented by CoCo Freeman of the Linda Chester Agency. You can connect with her on IG: @juliehauswirthbooks or X: @juliehauswirth.

When it comes to humor, Julie loves the unexpected, extremes, and clever wordplay. Bonus points for a dash of heart!

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 on IG @krisdecarowrites.

Kris enjoys all humor from silly to dark. She enjoys an unexpected surprise or twist and loves to see smart use of art notes.

Bri Lawyer

Bri is a former teacher turned humorous picture book author. Her debut picture book, TriceraCHOPS, is set for publication fall 2028. She has poems published in Little Thoughts Press, The Toy Magazine, and The Dirigible Balloon. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and traveling. She is represented by Jen Newens of Martin-Newens Literary Management.

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!

Kidlit Chuckle Challenge PRIZES!

We are THRILLED to have so many generous Kidlit editors, agents, and authors donate their time, expertise, and books to this contest! Be sure to thank them by following them on social media, purchasing or requesting their books at your local library, and leaving reviews!

New This Year: The top 10 winners will get the first opportunity to make their prize selection. They will be given a 24-hour window to make their selections before the prize opportunities are extended to the remaining Kidlit Chuckle Champions.

Here are our fabulous prizes, in no particular order:

Winner's Choice of One Webinar from the 12 x 12 Teachables Site

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.” Find out more here: https://juliehedlund.teachable.com

Summit Only Ticket from Picture Book Summit

Picture Book Summit is a world-class online summit for picture book authors and illustrators. Oceans of Possibility: A Deep Dive into Picture Book Craft takes place October 3rd. Speakers include Derrick Barnes, Deborah Underwood, and Brian Lies.

Picture Book Publishing Audit from Rosie J. Pova, Picture Book Author Academy

A personalized publishing assessment designed to help an unpublished, unagented picture book writer gain clarity and move forward with confidence. Includes written critique of one picture book manuscript (fiction, non-rhyming, up to 600 words), writing strengths assessment, identification of your biggest publishing obstacle, personalized roadmap with prioritized next steps, and 30-minute Publishing Breakthrough Session to review your results and create an action plan.

"Rosie J. Pova is an award-winning children's book author and founder of the Picture Book Author Academy, where she mentors aspiring picture book authors to elevate their craft, build a strong portfolio of manuscripts, and navigate the traditional publishing journey with confidence. Passionate about helping writers turn their publishing dreams into purposeful action, she's been thrilled to celebrate many students who have gone on to secure literary representation and traditional publishing deals. Connect with Rosie on Instagram @rosiejpova and learn more at RosiejPova.com."

One-Month Pass to All Workshops During the Month of Your Choice from Mighty Kidlit Firefly

This prize includes a one-month pass to all workshops during the month of the winner's choice. You can explore all the events and select your preferred month by visiting kidlitfirefly.com. Alternatively, you can opt for a coupon for one month free when you purchase an annual membership.

"Mighty Kidlit Firefly believes in lifting each other up so we can all shine and sparkle like fireflies! We're dedicated to empowering creators by offering a wide range of support, including networking, mentoring, workshops, and "above the slush" submission opportunities with amazing agents and editors!"

30-Minute AMA with Sandra Sutter, Publisher & Editor at Gnome Road Publishing

Sandra Foreman Sutter is the owner ("top gnome") at GRP. She is the author of two traditionally published picture books, a former attorney, mediator and addictions counselor. She's also a mom (chauffeur), crazy cat lady, and fan of kind people.

Query Letter Critique from Agent CoCo Freeman

CoCo is an associate agent at the Linda Chester Literary Agency.

Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Agent Stephanie Winter

Stephanie is a literary agent at KO Media Management.

AMA or Above the Slush Pile Submission (TWO WINNERS!) from Agent Ashlee Maccallum

Ashlee is a junior agent who joined Howland Literary after interning at Triada US.

Manuscript and Query Critique from Agent Amy Nielsen

Amy is a senior literary agent at The Purcell Agency.

15-minute AMA with Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez

Kaitlyn is a literary agent at the Bradford Literary Agency. You can support Kaitlyn by requesting her clients' books, found here, at your local library.

Winner's Choice of a Pitch Critique or Query Critique from Agent Tali Shammas

Tali is an associate literary agent at Storm Literary Agency.

Phone Critique of a Humorous Picture Book Manuscript with Ame Dyckman

Ame is the New York Times bestselling author of humorous titles such as Wolfie the Bunny, How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide, and Silly Boobies: A Love Story. Ame's recent titles include the Bat, Cat, & Rat and Monster Og series.

30-Minute AMA Zoom with Brian Gehrlein

Brian is the author of The Book of Rules and This is Not a Sleepy Bear Book, creator of PB Spotlight, and Picture Book Story Coach extraordinaire.

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 THE DINO DOOR 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.

Picture Book Manuscript or Query Letter Critique from Peak Team Critiques - Nicole Garnett and Bri Lawyer

Peak Team Critiques is a unique critique service gives you the opportunity to have not one, but TWO agented authors critique your picture book manuscript. Both Nicole and Bri will each provide insights and feedback to help your manuscript reach its peak potential!

The Kidlit Haha Digital Download Series from Brittany Pomales

Includes The Kidlit Haha Laugh & Draft PDF and The Kidlit Haha Laugh & Draft Edit PDF. Brittany is the author of It Started with a P. She is a #PBParty judge and the host of #KidlitHaHaWeek!

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.

Signed Copies of Ollie Oxley & The Ghost AND 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.

Winner’s Choice of Picture Book Manuscript Critique, AMA Zoom, or Signed Copies of EMBARRASSED FERRET and FURIOUS TURTLE from Lisa Riddiough

Lisa is the author of several books, including the hilarious picture books Pie-Rats and Embarrassed Ferret.

30-Minute Zoom AMA with Andrew Hacket

Andrew is the author of several picture books, including In This Classroom, 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.

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.

Signed Copy of EVEN STEVEN from Carrie Finison

Carrie writes children's books with humor and heart. She is the author of Dozens of Doughnuts, Don't Hug Doug, Lulu & Zoey: A Sister Story, Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School!, Pigs Dig a Road, PLENTY OF PANCAKES, and EVEN STEVEN.

Winner's Choice of a Critique (Pitch, Query, or Non-Rhyming Manuscript) OR a Signed Copy of ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS from Kristi Mahoney

Kristi is a children's book author. Her books include Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians and Owls Make Terrible Teachers.

30-Minute AMA with Carrie Tillotson

Carrie is the author of Counting to Bananas, B is for Bananas, and Alpacas Here, Alpacas There.

Signed Copy of NOT MY CIRCUS 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!

Winner's Choice of a Critique (Pitch, Query, or Non-Rhyming Manuscript) OR a Signed Copy of ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS from Kristi Mahoney

Kristi is a children's book author. Her books include Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians and Owls Make Terrible Teachers.

30-Minute AMA session with Sylvia Chen

Sylvia is the author of the picture books Tricky Chopsticks and Sparkles for Sunny: A Lunar New Year Story. She is also a #PBParty Judge and host of PB Study Buddy!

Winner's Choice of a Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Non-Rhyming) OR AMA Zoom 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.

Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Megan Woodward

Megan is a picture book author and screenwriter. Her books include This Book is Definitely Not Cursed and the upcoming NO IFS, ANDS, OR BUTTS. She also offers editorial services.

Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Non-Rhyming) from Dara Henry

Dara is a children's author whose books include Hanukkah Pajamakkahs and Mazel Tov, Baby!

Signed Copies of THE QUIET FOREST and THE QUIET OCEAN from Abi Cushman

Abi is a children's book author and illustrator. Her books include Soaked!, Animals Go Vroom!, Wombats are Pretty Weird, and Flamingos are Pretty Funky.

Winner's Choice: Picture Book Manuscript Critique OR an 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.

First Ten Pages Critique of a MG or YA Novel with Amethyst Ink Editorial from Demi Michelle Schwartz

Demi Michelle Schwartz is a young adult thriller author represented by Ciara Smith at Spencerhill Associates, the owner of Amethyst Ink Editorial, and the host of Literary Blend: A Publishing Podcast.

Query Critique from Anne Weaver

Anne is a picture book author represented by Kaitlyn Sanchez of Bradford Literary.

Winner's Choice of a 30-Minute AMA, Picture Book Query Materials Review (excludes pitch writing), OR Signed Copy of Imperfectly Perfect Posey: A Wobbly Yoga Story from Lizzie Brooks

Lizzie is author of the picture book Imperfectly Perfect Posey (2026) and offers a variety of professional author services.

Winner's Choice of a Picture Book Manuscript Critique (<800 words), 30-minute AMA, OR Copy of The Waga-Laga Bugs (US only) from Andi Chitty

Andi is author of Bananas in the Bath, Rock-a-Bye, Forever, and The Waga-Laga Bugs. Andi has experience in self-publishing as well as traditional publishing. She also hosts Storytime Sprint.

Winner's Choice of a Picture Book Manuscript Critique OR a 30-Minute AMA with Leigh Anne Carter

Leigh Anne is a writer and illustrator whose books include Yeti is Not Ready for School and Yeti is Not Ready for Game Over.

Picture Book Manuscript Critique (Up to 700 Words, Can Rhyme!) from David McMullin

David is a full time traveler and children's book writer whose books include Free to Be Fabulous, Rock 'N' Roll, Baby!, and the upcoming Percy & Speck series.

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 $15-$25, AMA calls range from $40-$250, and critiques from $50 - $250. Odds: The odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received, according to the eligibility requirements. Prizes will be awarded on a first pick basis. 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 word and how the formatting changes once it's entered into the form:

FAQ

Does my title count toward the word count?

No, titles do not count toward the word count. But be sure to include a clever/creative title! Many participants just use the character or the item as their title. Creating a stand-out title is a great way to set your story apart.

Can I include additional characters or objects from the list?

If they are necessary to the story, then yes! But don't squeeze them in just for the sake of it. It takes up valuable word count (you only get 200!) and rarely has a big payoff.

Can I write in Rhyme?

Yes, but don't forget to double-check the meter. A rhyming story without proper meter can really throw off the humor and create unnecessary distraction.

Does my story have to be super polished?

You should absolutely proofread and edit your story before submitting it. We receive so many great submissions. Taking the time to edit yours could be why your story wins over someone else's.

Can I use art notes in my story?

YES! Just remember that art notes do count toward your 200 word limit, so use them wisely. Be sure to place art notes in [brackets] so we can tell them apart from the rest of your story.

Have additional questions? Leave a comment on this post or email Kris at krisdecarowrites@gmail.com.

Let the Chuckle Challenge BEGIN!

Be sure to follow us on X and/or Instagram for contest updates, resources, and conversation! Leave a comment or use the hashtag #KidlitChuckleChallenge 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,

Julie (@juliehauswirthbooks),

Kris (@krisdecarowrites),

Bri (@lawyerbri)

& April (@aprilberrybooks)