For Coral Springs Author, writing is a family affair • Coral Springs Talk

The Froling family: Scott, KayLynne and Karlene and Kyle and Nathan standing. {Froling family}

By: Jen Russon

For local children’s book author Karlene J. Froling, writing is a family affair that keeps them busy adding new books to their “Picture Perfect” series, an offering from their publishing house at Kay’s Heart.

Residing at The Crossings, Karlene, Scott and their three children, Nathan, Kyle and KayLynne, have each helped make, ‘I like to be me, only me, ‘ an Amazon #1 bestseller, voted an Amazon Teachers’ Pick’ book.

“My daughter is my beta reader and my biggest fan. My sons cheer me on and keep me grounded, and my husband helps bring to the surface the stories that live in my heart,” Karlene said, adding that the writing had saved his life.

Karlene was born in Jamaica, overcoming poverty before emigrating to South Florida in 2003.

“The first thing I wrote was the story of my life where I lived a life of fear, insecurity and anxiety. I never published it – but the writing has opened a cage I had been trapped in,” Karlene said.

Inspired by Stephen King’s memoir of becoming an author, Karlene used every tool at her disposal to write at a level she knew she could achieve.

“I thought to myself, how can I contribute to this wonderful world we live in? How can I use my experiences to help others? »

The answer to Karlene’s question has resulted in a strong and ever-growing collection of children’s books that teach young readers how to practice healthy habits to develop a healthy growth mindset.

“Our words are magic,” says Karlene, “and I want our children to know that they can change tomorrow’s outcome by the words they say and the choices they make today.”

“I keep my head up, and although I may fall, I always get up and keep walking straight.

Yes, sometimes I stumble, and it’s fine. It makes me stronger to face the next day. – an excerpt from the book I Love Being Me, Uniquely Me.

The concept caught on, leading not only to sales, but also to opportunities. Karlene enjoys hosting school readings, appearing on a Jamaican TV network at home, and has been featured in ezines in Broward, where she works full-time as a project administrator for a construction company.

Karlene helped build the Coral Springs Municipal Complex and was nominated for the Coral Springs 2020 MLK Monument Award. Her husband works in Managed Healthcare and all three children attend public schools in Coral Springs. Yet, as deep as her roots are in South Florida, Karlene’s skills as a wordsmith can be appreciated around the world.

In a virtual reading roomit features “Uwi the Unicorn” in a tone and tempo reminiscent of the days of Lambchop and Mr. Rogers.

Her next book, “Taffy the Turtle,” is slated for release in May, and joining her reading Club on www.kaysheart.com, readers receive a free copy on the day of the book’s launch.

“Taffy the Turtle” is the second book in the Picture Perfect series which consists of ten books, beginning with “Pete the Shark”, an Amazon #1 bestseller.

“I hope our fun and colorful children’s books – written to empower, entertain and educate – will spark children’s imaginations, encourage healthy habits, inspire kindness and tell right from wrong, to wake up to a brighter future. .”

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