Helen Brown is a New Zealand-born author and award-winning columnist known for her heartfelt memoirs and novels centered on cats and their profound impact on human lives. Her breakout memoir, "CLEO," chronicled how a kitten helped her family heal after the tragic loss of her nine-year-old son, Sam. Published in 2009, the book became a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into over 17 languages, with a major film adaptation in development. Its sequel, "AFTER CLEO CAME JONAH" (also titled "JONAH" or "CATS AND DAUGHTERS"), further explored her bond with feline companions. Brown also penned the children's book "CLEO AND ROB," adapting her memoir for younger audiences.
Brown's writing blends humor, resilience, and poignant observations about everyday life. Her works often draw from personal experiences, including her battle with breast cancer and her family's journey through grief. Beyond memoirs, she has authored novels like "TUMBLEDOWN MANOR" and "BONO," the latter inspired by her time fostering a rescue cat in New York. Her early columns were compiled in "DON'T LET ME PUT YOU OFF - How to Survive Suburbia." Now based in Melbourne with her husband and cat Jonah, Brown continues to write while embracing life's simple joys, from knitting to spending time with her grandchildren. Her upcoming book, "MICKEY," is set for release in 2022.