Book Review of Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken
The Children’s Book Review
Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken
Written by Kimberly Tso
Illustrated by Louie Chin
Ages: 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Third State Books (2025) | ISBN-13: 979-8-89013-029-7
What to Expect: Problem-Solving, Compassion, Animal Welfare, and Standing Up for Beliefs.
In this heartwarming picture book, readers will discover the power of observation, clever thinking, and advocating for those who can’t speak for themselves.
When Beatrice visits her cousins in New York City, her favorite stop is the Chinatown Fair arcade, where she gets to see Lillie, the famous Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken. While everyone else is amazed by Lillie’s ability to play the game, Beatrice worries about the chicken’s living conditions—a stark contrast to the happy, free-roaming chickens at her family’s upstate farm. Despite the Big Boss’s reassurances, Beatrice can’t shake her concern.
Learning that Lillie’s tic-tac-toe prowess is due to a computer program, Beatrice hatches a plan. She begins challenging Lillie, achieving rare ties that earn her small prizes. With each tie, Beatrice gains confidence and the attention of the crowd. Finally, she boldly challenges the Big Boss to a game of tic-tac-toe: if she wins, Lillie goes home with her.
Beatrice’s journey of standing up for Lillie is clearly conveyed through an engaging narrative that highlights her growing determination and clever strategy. The soft yet vibrant illustrations by Louie Chin beautifully capture the bustling atmosphere of Chinatown and the peaceful serenity of the countryside, effectively depicting Lillie’s transformation from an arcade attraction to a cherished pet.
Including insightful backmatter that delves into the real-life inspiration behind Lillie and the Chinatown Fair arcade, Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken is a creative and memorable tale that teaches children about the impact of empathy and the value of advocating for animal welfare.
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About the Author
Kimberly Tso was born in New York City, and as she grew up, she split her time between there and Arlington, Virginia. She now lives in Los Angeles, California, with her partner and two daughters. Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken, illustrated by Louie Chin, is her first book. Prior to writing children’s books, she was a grant writer for nonprofits and taught grant writing to graduate students in public policy. When she is not writing books, she enjoys cooking, reading, playing video games, solving puzzles, and spending time with her family.
About the Illustrator
Louie Chin is an illustrator whose work includes the children’s book Bodega Cat, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection in 2020. He has created artworks for a variety of publications and projects, including the New York Times, Boston Globe, and Nike. He works in both traditional media, such as watercolor and gouache, and digital art software. He was born and raised in New York City, where he still resides. Louie is of Chinese-American descent.
