Craig Pomranz is more than an author whom everyone is paying attention to with a close eye. He has recently created Made By Raffi, a book for children which encourages social difference and uniqueness in children. The book is a beautiful read and a valuable lesson. A lesson that is often being neglected to being taught to children in this day and age, and for Craig’s work there, we are grateful.
Craig was kind enough to answer some questions for us.
Made By Raffi features a lesson not often discussed enough in books for younger readers. What made you decide to step forward and create this lesson?
“Made by Raffi” is based on an incident with my godson. When he coined the term “tomgirl” I realized immediately how important this message could be. In our misogynistic, society being a tomboy is acceptable. However, for a boy to want to do activities associated with girls is not. It has always been somewhat confusing to me. As example, when you consider that the most famous and successful designers and chefs are almost exclusively men. Yet, for a boy to want to do these things as a child is seen as “feminine” and that that word alone is used negatively – why? Since bullying and gender stereotypes have become part of the global agenda, I thought the time was right.
Most of the parents in my circle of friends say they want to raise their children to be free from stereotypes, but when their child has untraditional interests they seem to discourage them in an effort to protect them. I wrote the book to provide a starting point for conversation. I hoped that parents and teachers can use the book to point out that everyone feels “different“ from time to time and that we should all be, on one hand tolerant of others, and on the other self-possessed enough to follow our own path. I grew up knowing many boys who were more interested in reading and activities other than sports. I saw first-hand how they could be teased and made to feel “different.” I am talking about the book as a teaching tool, but I hope and like that kids find it fun and entertaining. It is a light-hearted, funny book.
Raffi could have had a number of unconventional interests. Why did you choose knitting and design?
Knitting and sewing were the real-life Raffi’s activities. hey worked well for the story because these hobbies are broadly considered female in most societies globally. It could have been many other activities, like cooking, but now lots of boys and men like to cook.
The book boasts a wonderful display of artwork and colours. Was it a challenge to find art that matches the imagination held by Raffi?
My publisher, Janetta Otter-Barry at Frances Lincoln, gave me a choice of illustrators. Margaret Chamberlain is an award-winning illustrator and was my first choice. Interestingly, they didn’t want me to communicate with Margaret at first to explain how I imagined the illustrations. Evidently this is a common practice so the illustrator can have his or her own vision, based only on the text. Of course I was thrilled with Margaret’s work. I find the bright colours add a real cheerfulness and exuberance to Raffi’s tale.
The book has been a big success. What do you feel encouraged this?
Once the book is seen, everyone from children to adults seems to relate to Raffi’s experience. After all, we have all been in this position at some point in our lives, where we feel out of place. So I would say two things have helped.
First, parents are searching for role models for their kids, and Raffi’s calm approach to the bullying he encounters is appealing. His parents don’t encourage him to report his classmates to the school, as so many parents do, instead they tell him to put them out of his mind and keep on doing what he loves. They steer Raffi by wholeheartedly supporting his interest.
Second, kids love Raffi! I have been so touched by the mail I receive, from parents and kids; describing how much they enjoy this funny little boy and his different hobbies. I even receive pictures of little boys and girls knitting and sewing from all over the world.
Is there more in store for Raffi?
There has been interest in a Raffi TV show in the US. I’m told there are no children’s shows where the boys are not sports-mad, so there is a real need. I am working on some new books, which may include Raffi. I am so passionately committed to empowering children, it is important to me to reach as many as I can. Also composers Amanda McBroom (Bette Midler’s “The Rose”) and Michele Brourman (The Land Before Time) loved Made by Raffi so much they wrote a song “Different” to be attached to the book. We hope to release the song in the next few weeks.
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