When Karin Gambill’s fourth-grade students began drawing life-size pictures of salmon last October, they had no idea the project would ultimately consume them intellectually and emotionally.

Now, six months later, these Chimacum Elementary students are about to become authors with publication of a book, “A Salmon Book for Kids by Kids.”

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has agreed to print 500 copies of the book, which may run to 40 pages.

“The kids did an outstanding job,” said Gambill, “not only getting the scientific information together but putting it in words that kids and adults can enjoy.”

Included in the book is a series of questions and answers, such as:

Q: Why don’t pink salmon have eyelids?

A: Salmon do not have eyelids because they are always in the water. The ocean water gives their eyes the moisture that they need, so they don’t have to blink like we do. Salmon do not cry, either, because of the water.

Teams gathered information about individual species of salmon, searching in the library and talking to salmon experts, including Gambill’s father, Ray Lowrie, who is involved in the conservation group Wild Olympic Salmon.

By the end, seven parent volunteers had assisted with various aspects of the project. But the content and language belonged to the children.

“This has been a wonderful ex perience,” said Gambill, who is in her first year of teaching. “I never want to hold the kids back.”In the beginning, they saw salmon as slimy animals,” she added. “Now, now they see them as beautiful creatures.”

Gambill expects the book to be in local stores by the end of July. The anticipated price is $5, with proceeds to go into a special salmon enhancement fund.