CLEO THE UPPITY CAT STARS AT AUCKLAND EVENT
-from our roving reporter


Despite the blustery wind and rain, around 100 fans were treated to a warm and entertaining evening with Helen Brown at the Takapuna Boating Club last night.
Helen is currently in New Zealand to promote her latest book, ‘Cleo: How an uppity cat helped heal a family’. Proceeds from the evening went to the SPCA, and Bob Kerridge was on hand to introduce Helen.

An engaging and heart-felt speaker, Helen spoke openly about her life since the death of her son Sam in 1983, and how the presence of a special animal made an amazing difference to her younger son Rob, and to the rest of the family, as they learned to grieve and move forward after losing Sam. Helen spoke about the creation of her book ‘Cleo’, from the process of finishing the book to finding an editor, while also opening up about surviving breast cancer and how their new feline friend has helped heal the family in ways not unlike Cleo.

Bob Kerridge had prepared a wee surprise for her at the end of the night – his own writing: a copy of Cleo the cat’s last will and testament. The passion that both Bob and Helen have for the importance of animals in our lives was inspiring, and the audience was happy to help the SPCA that night by donating a gold coin entry into the raffle that book publishers Allen & Unwin had organized for the event.

Pic right - Bob Kerridge thanks Helen Brown

Takapuna locals, booksellers Tom and Helen from The Booklover were on hand to sell copies of Cleo, which Helen Brown signed as she spent time speaking at length to those who had come to see her. It was a beautiful evening to suit the gorgeous book ‘Cleo’ - brave, touching and uplifting.
Helen’s event in Wellington tonight will surely be just as fabulous as she revisits her former hometown.
Footnote:
You can read The Bookman's review of CLEO here.