Helen was born in North Wales and graduated from Norwich School of Art with a degree in Graphic Design. She worked over ten years as an archaeologist in Britain and Europe.
In 1995 she moved to Canada with her family. During that time, she began working as an author / illustrator, and over the past thirty years has illustrated over a hundred books for publishers worldwide.
In 2005 Helen returned to north Wales with her family where she now lives and works in the tiny village of Abergwyngregyn at the base of the Eryri mountains, and close to the sea. Aside from illustrating, her hobbies include quilting, knitting, gardening, yoga and walking.