Edgar, an Israeli immigrant alone in a big city, is a cab driver who grabs a welcome nap at the end of his shift on the second night of Hanukkah. He wakes up to discover that someone has inadvertently left a cute hamster in his cab, and he takes the small creature home. When no one claims the hamster, Edgar names him “Chickpea” after an ingredient in his homemade Israeli salad. Edgar celebrates the eight nights of Hanukkah with his new friend, and when the true owners are finally found, they realize that little Chickpea may have already found his forever home.
This sweet story was inspired by a true event when the author’s daughter actually found a hamster in her Uber. Readers beware: Kids may ask for their own Hanukkah hamsters after reading this charming tale.(Jewish Journal, November 28, 2018, retrieved from https://jewishjournal.com/culture/books/242749/new-hanukkah-picture-books-feature-hamsters-talking-latkes/).