Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz wrote a children’s book that she dedicated to her six kids just three years before her husband, Kristopher Karolkiewicz, killed her and their family in an apparent murder-suicide.
Krystal Kramer, who illustrated Mandy’s September 2023 book, The Magical Mantra, took to Instagram on Tuesday, July 28, to explain that she worked closely with Mandy, 39, on the project and that they became close during the process of making the book.
“There are some moments that simply don’t make sense and it’s unfair,” she began in the caption, which was shared alongside a photo of the book jacket. “I have sat here staring at this screen, trying to find the right words after learning of the unimaginable loss of Mandy Karol (Amanda Karolkieicz) and her six beautiful children. Like so many others, my heart is absolutely broken for her family, her loved ones, and everyone whose lives were touched by theirs.”
After sharing that she had the “incredible privilege of working closely with Mandy while illustrating her book,” she said they “spent countless conversations talking about the story, but more importantly, about life.”
“We shared stories about our families, our children, the challenges of motherhood, and the little victories that made our hearts full,” Kramer continued. “Every conversation reminded me how deeply she loved her family. Anyone who has worked with me knows – we become friends and connected by an experience that is incredibly special.”
Kramer went on to say that Mandy “loved her children with every part of her being.” She continued, “Fiercely. Wholeheartedly. Unconditionally. That love is woven into every page of The Magical Mantra.”
“Mandy once shared with me why she wrote the book. After growing up believing that there was nothing inherently good within herself, motherhood changed everything. Raising her six children showed her something profoundly different—that we are born good,” she said. “That kindness, compassion, love, and worth already existed within. And if that was true for them, it had to be true for herself, too.”
Kramer explained that Mandy dedicated the book to her six kids and added a kind message at the end that read, “You are each so good.”
“As I illustrated the story, I added a small heart patch on the little girl’s chest. My hope was that it pale pink heart would slowly become a vibrant red as the story unfolded, just as the flowers blossomed around her — a gentle reminder that the way we speak to ourselves has the power to help love grow.”
Kramer concluded the message by writing, “Rest peacefully, Mandy with your children who I know you are holding tight in your arms. I hope for justice and I will forever remember your kindness.”
As Us previously reported, Kristopher, 47, killed Mandy and their six children inside of their home in Grand Haven Township, Michigan, on the morning of Friday, July 24. Authorities confirmed that Amanda and the children were fatally shot before Kristopher set the home on fire as part of an apparent murder-suicide.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
