About Us

After appearing at schools to speak about nature writing, she conceived this endeavor so students could write, illustrate, and be published while learning more about science careers and the environment.

Ms. B (as students call her) established a highly successful educational model that teams students with volunteer experts. Students research native plants, animals, habitats, or ecology projects, then they write and illustrate what they have discovered. Their work gets posted on this site for free. This:

• Facilitates mentoring,
• Introduces students to careers, and
• Enhances self-esteem through self-expression.

The first Special Species book involved 13 schools in San Diego County, California. Since then, schools throughout North America have participated. And with this Web site, schools throughout the world can sign up.

The project has received positive recognition from participants and the media. It relies on donations, book and related product sales, grants, financial awards and ad sponsorships to operate. This unique educational publishing venture values the research, writing, and illustrative efforts of children. It is one of the first (if not the first) publishers of children's own science-based works.

Special Species is especially grateful to these dedicated, caring, highly talented publishing and Internet experts:

• Joe Holly of Design San Diego designed and produced all the Special Species books for more than six years. He is our Art Director Emeritus. Given the slightest encouragement, Design San Diego produces elegant print and web design, to this very day.
• David Silva of Manifold Information Design, located in San Francisco, California. Mr. Silva designed the original Web site and instituted the outstanding technical and visual strengths you see throughout the Special Species site. His vision made this site a reality.
• Bill R Adams, an Internet, publication and public affairs specialist in San Francisco, California, maintains this complex site, keeps it glitch-free, and posts all the new submissions we receive. His patience and attention to detail (not to mention his sense of humor) maintain this site's high quality.
• Lynn Raiser, instructional designer and usability expert who spearheaded the redesign of the entire site. She updated the layout and tamed the unchecked sprawl, giving the site new life and energy.
• Whidbey Island Writers Association, the sponsor of the Special Species Project.
• Founder Barbara "Ms. B" Moran is profiled here.