New Children’s Book By RCC Employees, Alumna
ASHEBORO (December 14, 2007)
By Ariel Vernon, RCC Advertising & Graphic Design intern
Author Phyllis Helms shows a copy of her children’s book, “Mr. Chin
is a Bad, Bad Girl!” The story is based on Helm’s two dogs, a Japanese
Chin and a Pekingese.
A new children’s book, titled “Mr. Chin is a Bad, Bad Girl!” has been printed that features the writing, editing, and artistic talent of two of Randolph Community College’s employees and a graduate of the College’s Advertising & Graphic Design curriculum. It is written by Phyllis Helms, Ed.D., illustrated by RCC alumna Stephanie Hunt, and edited by W. Clark Adams, who teaches English at RCC. Currently, the book is self-printed with a run of only 300 copies; however, the author, illustrator, and editor will be pursuing publishing it to a wider audience in 2008.
The book, which tells the humorous and heart-warming story of Phyllis Helms’ two dogs, a mild-mannered, obedient Japanese Chin named Mr. Chin and a stubborn Pekingese named Peke-a-Tu, is based on the author’s own animal companions. The simple text and whimsical illustrations make it a perfect book for a child or those young at heart.
Phyllis Helms serves as vice president for instructional services at RCC. Speaking of the inspiration for the tale, she says it is a true story. Whenever she scolded the naughty Peke-a-Tu for getting into trouble, Mr. Chin assumed the blame and believed he was “a bad, bad girl.”
Stephanie Hunt, who graduated from RCC in May 2006, is currently pursuing her dream of being a full-time greeting card designer and children’s book illustrator. Helms discovered her talent through Hunt’s former instructors, Susan Shaw and Dawn Egerton, who gave Helms names of several possible illustrators for the book. Hunt’s enthusiasm and dedication impressed Helms, who says that “she spent a great deal of time at my house, taking photos and videos of the dogs.”
In addition to his teaching at RCC, Clark Adams is actively involved with RCC campus events,
such as co-chairing the RCC Archives Committee. “Clark is such a good friend,” says Helms, “I felt confident in sending him the manuscript for editing.”
The trio hosted a special book signing at RCC on December 12, with both Mr. Chin and Peke-a-Tu in attendance. All RCC employees were invited to the signing and gifted with a free copy of the book autographed by the writer, illustrator, and editor. Nearly 200 copies were given away that day.
From left, illustrator Stephanie Hunt, writer Phyllis Helms with Peke-a-Tu and Mr. Chin, and editor Clark Adams at the book signing for “Mr. Chin is a Bad, Bad Girl!” at Randolph Community College.
