I took a chance on this new writing contest hosted by authors April Berry, Kris DeCaro, and Julie Hauswirth called #KidLitChuckleChallenge. The challenge is to write a 200-word flash piece that makes the judges laugh and uses a character and an object from a set list.

I chose: Avocado the Penguin (character) and Broccoli (object).

Here’s the thing – I’ve told my partner for years that I’m funny. He’s a bit of humor snob, and he usually smiles and says, “Yeah, you’re funny.” (I’m not sure I believe him. Do you?)

So, I had something to prove.

Second thing – I don’t write picture books. Middle grade and young adult are my jam. But I recently penned a short piece perfect for younger kids for another contest. I felt I might be able to do this.

I could finally show the world (but mostly my partner) that I’m funny.

I started this piece a few different ways until I found Luca, my heartfelt MC, and the rest came together.

Please enjoy and hopefully chuckle along with Luca’s First Love:

Luca loved only one toy—the avocado his mom decorated with googly eyes. They called it Avocado the Penguin. For one special week, it went everywhere with them: to the store, to the park, even to the pool.

Tucked in his hand, Avocado the Penguin saw the world with his bouncing black eyes, and his bumpy skin turned from bright green to a darker greenish-brown.

At the pool, Luca was convinced Avocado would love the water. What penguin doesn’t like to swim? They splashed and rode his boogie board. But Avocado became too slick and slipped out of his hand. He floated away from Luca then sunk like a stone.

Frantic, Luca pointed to the pool floor. Others looked down. They screamed two words he didn’t understand. “CODE BROWN!”

Luca was swept out of the water. No matter how hard he tried, no one would let him near the rescue net. Avocado the Penguin was lost. Forever.

A sobbing Luca was led away. Surely, he could never be happy again. Until his mom pulled out a snack. There was a piece of broccoli with bushy hair, just like his.

They drew on two eyes. And Broccoli the Boy was born.

Thanks for reading! To learn more about #KidLitChuckleChallenge, click here. You can also follow the hosts on Twitter at: @AprilBerryBooks, @MusingMomMumble, and @juliehauswrites.