In the delightful picture book Made by Raffi , Craig Pomranz weaves a story around a boy who discovers a love for knitting, which he pursues with childlike wonder despite jibes by his classmates, especially rough and tough boys who love football. The book was shortlisted for the Little Rebel Children’s Book Award and has been translated into several languages. In an email interview, Craig, who feels strongly about issues of bullying, gender roles, and autism, writes about the impetus behind the book.
How did the idea of this story come to you. Why did you choose to write a book on a boy who knits?
It is based on a true-life incident. My friend told me about a conversation with her son, Raffi, my godson. He explained that he felt “different” than the other children in his school. He wasn’t so interested in sports or noisy, rough play, like the other children. He paused and asked her if there was such a thing as a tom girl , coining the term. I immediately knew this was a story that needed to be told. The concept of a tom girl is complicated and presupposed the belief that being feminine is somehow a negative idea. We all are socialized to know that it is okay for a girl to want to enter into the male arena -- but when a boy tries anything remotely thought of as feminine it is unacceptable. It limits boys, of course, but also what does this say to our girls? Why does our society cling to these rigid notions of gender and how can we evolve and change them?
Are the characters inspired from real life?
Raffi and his parents are inspired by my godson and his family, and the other characters are loosely based or composites of other friends.
Why do you think stereotyped gender roles are so deep-rooted in society?
We are inundated with narrow ideas of gender stereotypes from birth -- or even before, when parents or a family has a gender reveal party. We are plagued with stereotypes from advertising, television, film, video games and, yes, children's books. Perhaps there is a fear of the unknown and the other? I imagine we need to label all that is around us so we can find a way to fit in, but can't we loosen the strictures? Can't we "try on" different identities as we mature? That is a normal part of growing up and how we learn who we are.
Tell us a little about the collaboration withMargaret Chamberlain, the illustrator...
It was interesting. After my editor and I chose award-winning illustrator Margaret Chamberlain, I was told not to talk to her until she had read the text and started to develop the look of the book. The editor wanted her to bring her own imagination and creativity first. Once we got the “look” down we began to work together. So, it was a true collaboration. I am delighted with the results and feel that the light-hearted, colourful illustration help to make the book fun and funny for children to read. It takes a serious "message" and makes a fun book! Raffi is a happy child.
What are some of the most memorable responses you received from children for the book?
I have heard from children and parents from all over the world. At first it was a surprise how “Raffi” resonated with children and adults alike. But haven’t we all felt “different” at one time? My favourites? A little girl from Korea sent me a charming drawing of a cape she thought Raffi should make. One of the first emails I received was this email from a man in Istanbul: “Today I enjoyed to pre-order your beautiful and meaningful children book for my cousin. Especially here in Turkey we need to learn respect to the one who is different than us. Thanks for your effort to make the world a better place to live.” One very moving message came from a mother who learned that her son WAS a bully -- she thanked me for providing a way to start a conversation about empathy. Also, I should mention that composers Amanda McBroom (Bette Midler’s award-winning song The Rose ) and Michele Brourman ( The Land Before Time series) were inspired to write a song called “different” for the book.
Is the book available in India? Have you heard back from any children from India?
The book is available in 11 countries and eight languages to date. It is currently being looked at in Sri Lanka. It can be bought online at this link: Made by Raffi . The book is easily bought online around the world, but I would love to find an Indian publisher, either in English or translated. I believe that there is great need for the conversation my book can spark. The simplicity of a picture book resonates and stays with the reader even into adulthood, don't we all remember our childhood favourites? I believe this is why Made by Raffi crosses all cultures. If we engage in the idea of “differences” among us at a young age, we can we learn to understand that we are ALL different in our own way, thus helping us to find who we are and how to relate to others. This can only make for a better world.
