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Cambridge Public Schools, and Currie, a fifth-grade English teacher in Beverly, said this project began to spark as they saw the books their own children were reading and began to realize they could make their own unique contribution.

“We were really inspired at the idea of what we see in our practice and in the educational world,” said Shute. “There's some missing literature [and] missing kids’ books related to critical issues.”

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Both Shute and Currie agreed there is not always a story that relates to “the critical issue that [students are] working through,” said Shute.

When Shannon Shute and Kirsten Currie teamed up to fulfill their dream of creating a children’s book, the lifelong friends wanted to spread the ongoing message of kindness and belonging – and their new book, Making Changes on the Fly, does just that. Through the eyes of the curious creatures that crawl, buzz, flutter, and fly all around us, the authors emphasized how important it is to embrace one another despite our differences.

The full-time mothers and public school educators are also self-proclaimed "enthusiasts of creative pursuits.” Shute, a Burlington resident and school psychologist in

That is why, as Currie said, the project has become more than, “Let’s write a book and leave a legacy,” and instead about how to create an important tool “to approach some of these messages that we feel are impactful and necessary to be talked about with kids and anyone reading the book.”

Making Changes on the Fly, the first book from the developing Webugs series, follows a curious fly who has always felt out of place in the world of wings. One day, when he gets injured and meets a new world of insects that crawl, he is hesitant but soon learns that he shares many qualities with the bugs in this new world.

Shute also added that the Webugs motto is one of embrace and com-munity that aims to address the larger ‘we.’ She said this means seeking to understand others, appreciate differences, and working together to build a positive community. For both authors, Webugs works to communicate an essential message: “You are heard, you are appreciated.”

Currie, who illustrated the book, said it was important to let readers see themselves in the characters, even though they were bugs. The brightly colored, whimsical, and imaginative creatures were perfectly imperfect, the authors said, and welcomed readers of all ages to relate in their own ways.

Currie said tapping into this creative outlet allowed her to connect with one of her own students for artistic advice, a process which gave her new ideas about how to draw the eyes for the bugs in the book. She said that it was a moment she will never forget.

The book was released on November 4, 2025, and both Shute and Currie said they are excited to see their innovation, passion, and hard work brought to life. As they reflect on their teamwork, writing and drawing processes, and countless brainstorming sessions, they are eager to create new characters in the Webugs series that explore other critical issues – books that can be used inside and outside the classroom. Shute named a few future examples, one being a ladybug to discuss the topic of gender identity.

As the authors imagine a new buzz of ways to provide a sense of enjoyment and community to their readers,

they hope to continue to spread the message of acceptance and belonging while encouraging readers to pursue their creative dreams.

“We want to give kids and adults an opportunity to see themselves, feel seen, feel heard, and know that they're an important part of the community too,” Currie said.

You can purchase Making Changes on the Fly at your favorite bookseller and learn more about the authors and Webugs at webugsbooks.com.

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