Author Cecily Paterson, who is also a resident in the valley, launched her sixth children’s book Smart Girls Don’t Wear Mascara to a crowd of teachers, parents and students at Kangaroo Valley Public School. 

The launch event was held as part of Book Week, which encourages children to celebrate their favourite stories and book characters. 

Students took part in a Book Week parade before sitting down to hear Cecily read from, and discuss her new novel, which follows the story of Year 6 student, Abby, who likes Annie The Musical more than pop music and detests makeup.

As with all of Cecily’s other novels, the story is about a young girl finding “her voice and her spark”. 

“I suppose you could say my own personal struggles were the genesis for this book,” she said. 

As well as Kangaroo Valley Public School and some of its teachers, the book also makes mention of the local lolly shop and the school’s Year 6 seats. 

After taking questions about the book from students, Cecily donated a copy of the book to the school’s library.