Book Review: Made By Raffi
‘Made by Raffi’ is a superb children’s book about tearing down gender stereotypes. This book highlights the beauty and talents of sensitive quiet children.
The Story
Raffi doesn’t like the hustle and bustle of the school playground at break time. Instead he seeks out a quiet place to sit. (Sound like anyone you know? This fact alone made my heart swell a little).
One day he sees his teacher knitting; she shows him how to knit and he gets hooked. He starts his own knitting project.
He takes the rainbow scarf he is knitting for his father everywhere he goes, even on the school bus. Despite the taunts from other children about his ‘girly’ hobby.
Before long Raffi’s classmates discover just how talented he is when he surprises them all for a class play……..
Raffi Makes a for a Great Role Model for Our Children
This story is a lovely themed story which tackles gender stereotypes head on. It encourages children to follow their own heart and passions. Raffi is a fabulous role model for the creatives to let their talents guide them, and ignore others who tell them what they ‘should’ be interested in because of their gender.
Knitting is a Great Bucket Emptier
It particularly appeals to me because I am a knitter. I have taught my eldest son to knit, an activity that turns out to be a great bucket emptier (as is finger knitting).
My 6 year old has also recently taken an interest. He successfully knitted a scarf for his cuddly monkey, much to his delight. So certainly in our house boys holding knitting needles is a normal sight. And so it should be. And it should also be said that my eldest sews better than I do……
Tackling Gender Stereotypes
Too often we read about gender stereotyping when it comes to girl’s toys. But boys also suffer from the same dismissive attitudes. And it needs to change. There is no toy or activity that should be labelled for girls. And the same applies to girls playing with ‘boy’s toys’.
The writer, Craig Pomranz, uses the word tomgirl in this book, a word that made me smile. I applaud any writer who knocks gender cliches on their head! And in writing ‘Made by Raffi’, Pomranz has done a wonderful job.
He was inspired to write this book by a true life incident and he says:
“I wrote the book to support young boys and girls who are perceived as “different” because of their appearance or hobbies. It is a funny colorful book with a serious message and will interest those who care about promoting diversity and embracing our differences, as well as all children seeking to fit in.” Craig Pomranz
You can buy Made by Raffi in 11 countries in 8 different languages: English, Italian, Korean, Chinese, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Dutch.
There’s also an accompanying song which composers Amanda McBroom (Bette Midler’s “The Rose”) and Michele Brourman (The Land Before Time) have written. The song is here: Different.
You can get your own copy here on Amazon or from bol.com.
You can find out more on the Made by Raffi Facebook page or follow along on Twitter.
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