A Madison (CT) native has written a book to inspire small acts of kindness that can make big difference. Kate West has brought her Italian-American holiday traditions and cherished childhood memories with her beloved Nona to the page. Her book “LeBefana and the Christmas Star” follows an enchanting character from ancient Italian folklore that children have been celebrating on the Eve of Epiphany (January 5) for centuries. 

In the children’s book, the main character puts so much love into her baked star cookies that everyone who takes a bite begins to grow from that love within. It’s a message that West and her puppeteer partner Dina Gregory are now bringing to the streets of New York alongside New York City relief, an organization that hands out much-needed items to the area's homeless population.