We chat with Craig Pomranz<\/h2>\n
A jack of many trades, Craig started his career in singing, performing, and songwriting; more recently, he is focused on writing children\u2019s storybooks. He published Made By Raffi<\/em> in 2014 and it was recently translated into Chinese and Korean. Craig Pomranz gives us exclusive insights on the inspiration of his book, key takeaways from the story, and what\u2019s to come in the future.<\/p>\n One evening my godson seemed particularly anxious. When I asked him what was wrong, he told me that he felt different from the other children; how he didn\u2019t like loud noises or rough play, instead he liked to sit quietly and knit. He then asked, \u201cIs there such a thing as a TomGirl?\u201d. And I immediately recognised how important this new term was and should be talked about. I went home and wrote the book.<\/p>\n It is a true story. In real life, I originally thought my nephew should have dancing lessons, which would be good for him physically and perhaps help him focus and centre himself. But given his long ride to school, I thought knitting would be another way to help. It turned out to be something he loved doing and could do on his own and almost anywhere.<\/p>\n The actual book came easily, the story was clear to me from the start. Working with an illustrator was new but also not particularly challenging. The surprises came from the letters I received after publication. I was surprised by the number of people I have heard from who, after reading Made by Raffi<\/em>, realised that their child was the bully.<\/p>\n It is my hope that we all start to recognise that, first, we can embrace everyone and how they represent themselves. Second, we should let children AND adults try on different skins to find out who they really are and stop defining them by the rigid ideas of the past. We are all constantly searching for ways to make ourselves whole.<\/p>\n Times are changing, but we still need to be reminded of our differences in a positive way and embrace them. How we speak and treat each other matters. Like the Stephen Sondheim song says, Children will Listen<\/em>. It is not just boys, but girls who need help. For example, a tomboy is seen in a positive light \u2013 she is assertive and strong. But the term tomgirl is fraught with negatives, and what does that say to girls? Possibly, that acting like a girl is lesser than or wrong? I often quote Gloria Steinem \u201cWe have finally learned to raise our girls more like boys, but very few have the courage to raise our boys like girls.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"craig](\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/09\/IMG-0691-900x643.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHi Craig! Tell us about your creative journey. What inspired Made By Raffi<\/em>?<\/h3>\n
What inspired you to choose knitting and sewing to be of particular interest to Raffi?<\/h3>\n
What came easy during the writing process for Made by Raffi<\/em>? What was more difficult that you anticipated, or what surprised you?<\/h3>\n
What do you hope that children and parents take away from reading Made By Raffi<\/em>?<\/h3>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/09\/Made-By-Raffi-Craig-Pomranz_2-900x672.jpeg\")
Children absorb stereotypical gender norms very early on. What can we do to help broaden the definition of masculinity when teaching and parenting boys? Why is this important and how will it affect boys later on in their life?<\/h3>\n
What can grown ups do to help shy boys feel more secure at school and in their peer groups?<\/h3>\n
![\"an](\"https:\/\/static.thehoneycombers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2021\/09\/Made-by-Raffi-900x615.jpeg\")