Stacy Bardsley needed a student’s artistic touch to bring her debut book to life.

She found it in a pair of young illustrators, Bradleigh de Jong and Nick Langel, who came highly recommended.

Together they created a clever, sweet and funny children’s chapter book, “The North Pole Dog Division” (Fairwood Press, $13.95).

Bardsley, the author, has taught German at Auburn Riverside High School for 10 years. De Jong and Langel, recently graduated seniors at the school, are aspiring graphic artists with college plans.

“They did a wonderful job,” Bardsley said at a recent school-ending, book-signing reception. “In fact, we are looking to do a sequel.”

The recently released book follows the wacky adventures and heart-warming antics of Fritzi, Elli, and the rest of the dachshund pack as they attempt to save Christmas by helping Santa deliver toys and goodies to all the dogs in the world from a North Pole workshop.

As they turn the pages, readers discover the value of friendship, teamwork and life’s little unexpected treasures.

“It was the best,” said de Jong, who plans to attend Central Washington University this fall. “We’ve worked with a bunch of clients throughout the year, but she (Bardsley) was so enthusiastic.”

Langel welcomed the opportunity to build his resume with a professional, published work.

“It was a business opportunity … but it didn’t seem that way,” said Langel, who plans to purse graphic art design at Seattle Central Community College. “She was great to work with on the project.”

Bardsley began to write the story in November. The illustrators went to work in February.

Teacher Patrick Swenson completed the all-Auburn Riverside production by designing and publishing the book through his own publishing company.

The book is available online at www.fairwoodpress.com, www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.