Kirsten Currie is a full-time mother and educator of fifth-grade students. Full of creativity, Kirsten loves any project that unites her passions for literacy and art. As an author and the illustrator of Making Changes on the Fly, she has relished the opportunity to create a book that whimsically transports children to a place where kindness toward and care for one another are paramount. Kirsten believes that everyone is worthy of experiencing joy.
Shannon Shute is a full-time mother and school psychologist. Like Kirsten, she has cherished this opportunity to apply her love of writing and creative pursuits to publishing a children’s book. This book is the first in a series that aims to encourage children to explore and celebrate the individual differences inherent in our own communities. Shannon believes that every child deserves to be understood and appreciated for who they are and who they want to be.
Q: What inspired you to create a children’s book?
Shannon: Ever since I was a young child, I have loved anything creative—writing stories/poems, creating art, developing a clever theme for a party, or even just the satisfaction of coming up with a witty play on words. As I began reading children’s books to beloved kiddos in my life and then became a mother myself, the creative dream to write a book of my own materialized. I didn’t know I would have the opportunity to pursue this passion project with one of my favorite humans in the world until Kirsten and I realized we had a similar dream! We both envision creating books that promote a celebration of individual differences and share lessons that we want to teach in our respective homes with our own children.
Kirsten: Creating art has always been a source of joy for me. I enjoy using all types of media, including paint, pencil, and collage. Like many artists, the process brings a steadiness and fulfillment to my life, and the product is a bonus. As a fifth-grade teacher, I model this practice daily. From drawing images on the whiteboard to help explain a concept to creating lesson plans that involve creative expression, it’s important to me to pass on the gift of accessing what brings you joy. When Shannon approached me about writing and illustrating a children’s book, the answer was a quick “yes.” As previously mentioned, the process of creating this story was equally if not more fulfilling than arriving at the finished product.
Q: What advice do you have for children who would love to write a book one day?
Shannon: As Cinderella tells us, a dream is a wish your heart makes! Tune into your heart and give it a chance to speak to you about what you love, what makes you feel happy, and what you dream of doing in the future. If the dream happens to be writing a book, jot down your ideas for the story as they come to you. Sit and write for a while when you want to, and keep a collection of all of your ideas. Identify who in your support system may be able to help you talk through, edit, and refine your story. Think about what lessons you hope to share with your book, and consistently ask yourself if the story is achieving the message that you want. Most importantly, believe in yourself and the power of what you have to share!
Kirsten: You can do it! Yes, you are good enough, and your ideas are worth sharing. Just go for it. Just start. The rest will fall into place. I can’t wait to see what you create.
Q: What is your favorite children’s book?
Shannon: I love Nancy Tillman’s beautiful books, especially “Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You.”
Kirsten: The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. My high school art teacher gave me this book as a graduation gift, and the sentiment has stuck with me. Peter H. Reynolds emphasizes the value of self-expression and the importance of taking the first step. No one is perfect; all you have to do is begin.
Q: What are your five favorite grown-up books?
Shannon: Can I say all of Kristin Hannah’s books?! I especially love “The Nightingale" and “The Women. ” I also love a good beach read; I could read Emily Henry’s “Funny Story” or Elin Hilderbrand’s “Blue Bistro” on repeat. Lastly, I would have to say the entire “Harry Potter” series and its ability to transport you to a completely different, wonderful world.
Kirsten: Great question. I enjoy a twisty-turny tale in which the protagonist realizes that despite whatever darkness we all face, there is more good than bad out there. Here are a few that come to mind: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, Educated by Tara Westover, and Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Shannon: I relish the brainstorming phase before we actually begin writing. For “Making Changes on the Fly” we spent a couple of sessions just sitting at a coffee shop and verbally sharing/physically writing down ideas. I love that there is no pressure of time or production during the brainstorming phase.
The ideas for book themes, characters, and messaging flow freely and it feels motivating to just channel and document the creative momentum.
Kirsten: I can speak to this experience—collaborating! Shannon and I approach writing differently. It has been fun to explore our different styles to articulate our desired thoughts.
Q: What do you tell your students to do if they want to develop their writing skills?
Shannon: First and foremost, be patient with yourself and embrace the process. Writing takes time and many iterations. Practice the skill of writing a lot by writing things that you really like, such as imaginative stories, letters to loved ones, analyses of sports statistics, or journal entries. Reframe the idea that the finished product is the goal. Instead, try to appreciate each step of the process, even the ones that aren’t your favorite (like editing is for me!). Also, ask for help when you feel stuck or aren’t sure what step to take next. Though the story you tell is authentically individualized, the process to arrive at the finished product doesn’t need to be!
Kirsten: Just start! I often tell my fifth graders that it’s okay to write “I don’t know what to write” as a springboard to an idea. There is strength in vulnerability, and not knowing where to start is okay. Additionally, we talk a lot about how editing and revising are integral parts of the writing process. It takes practice!
Q: What is one of your favorite quotes that relates to your work on this book?
Shannon: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”—Clare Pooley in her 2020 novel “The Authenticity Project.”
Kirsten: “Just make a mark and see where it takes you.”—The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. Creating this book started as a pipe dream. I remember telling myself to just start—the rest will fall into place.
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
Shannon and Kirsten: “Making Changes on the Fly” is the first book in our webugs series. We have enjoyed every moment of creating this first book and are already working on the second book in the series. While “Making Changes on the Fly” aims to convey a general appreciation of individual differences, future books in the series will provide critical, supportive messaging about topics that readily impact our youth in the world today, such as homelessness, disability (e.g., anxiety and ADHD), gender identity, addiction, and stressors within a family system. Our bugs will help us explore what it means to act with integrity, listen to their inner voice, and appreciate others by understanding their strengths and areas for growth.
Learn more about Shannon and Kirsten's new children's book Making Changes on the Fly, here. Coming soon October 21, 2025!