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Made by Raffi
New in paperback! Raffi is a shy boy who doesn't like noisy games and is often teased at school. But when he gets the idea of making a scarf for his dad's birthday he is full of enthusiasm, even though the other children think it is girly to knit. Then the day draws near for the school pageant, and there is one big problem - no costume for the prince. And that's when Raffi has his most brilliant idea of all - to make a prince's cape. On the day of the pageant, Raffi's cape is the star of the show.
40 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 25, 2014
Age: Preschool-2nd grade
LGBTQ: Gender nonconforming
Raffi becomes interested in knitting and really enjoys his pastime but he notices that his interests are not like other boys. Surrounded by loving and supportive teachers and his family, he soon impresses his classmates by sewing together a wonderful cape for a school performance. Another great book published this year that addresses gender nonconformity for a younger audience without being preachy or boring.
LGBTQ: Gender nonconforming
Raffi becomes interested in knitting and really enjoys his pastime but he notices that his interests are not like other boys. Surrounded by loving and supportive teachers and his family, he soon impresses his classmates by sewing together a wonderful cape for a school performance. Another great book published this year that addresses gender nonconformity for a younger audience without being preachy or boring.
July 1, 2019
Made by Raffi is a children's picture book written Craig Pomranz and illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain, which stars Raffi, a boy who doesn’t feel like he quite fits in, until he finds a passion in knitting.
June, at least in my part of the world is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, which I plan to read one children's book, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Pomranz's text is rather simplistic and straightforward. It depicts a boy named Raffi who seemed different from other boys, until he discovered his love for knitting and fashion. At first, he is teased and bullied, but through his perseverance they come to accept him. Chamberlain's illustrations are done in pencil, ink, and digital art in a colorful, comic, and lively manner, which accentuates the narrative rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Raffi wonders why he is different from all the other boys in school, because he would rather sit quietly than play rough games. When his teacher shows him how to knit, he is excited and soon starts a scarf for his father with skeins of yarn in rainbow colors. The project grows and grows and grows as Raffi ignores the laughter from the children on their school bus. Eventually, the other kids eventually accept him and are enthusiastic and ask him to create clothes for them too.
All in all, Made by Raffi is a wonderful children's book of acceptance and support and the power of individualism – especially those who doesn't conform to the norms.
June, at least in my part of the world is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, which I plan to read one children's book, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Pomranz's text is rather simplistic and straightforward. It depicts a boy named Raffi who seemed different from other boys, until he discovered his love for knitting and fashion. At first, he is teased and bullied, but through his perseverance they come to accept him. Chamberlain's illustrations are done in pencil, ink, and digital art in a colorful, comic, and lively manner, which accentuates the narrative rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Raffi wonders why he is different from all the other boys in school, because he would rather sit quietly than play rough games. When his teacher shows him how to knit, he is excited and soon starts a scarf for his father with skeins of yarn in rainbow colors. The project grows and grows and grows as Raffi ignores the laughter from the children on their school bus. Eventually, the other kids eventually accept him and are enthusiastic and ask him to create clothes for them too.
All in all, Made by Raffi is a wonderful children's book of acceptance and support and the power of individualism – especially those who doesn't conform to the norms.
October 11, 2017
Raffie is a boy that prefers knitting and sewing as opposed to loud, aggressive games like other boys. Raffi’s family provides him with lots of support while he finds comfort in being himself and loving his own skin. He experiences lots of teasing from his peers until his crafting comes into hand when he makes something for the big play. The books speaks for children who experience bullying and confrontation, but it, in a way, boosts the main character to an unrealistic level of reassurance while not expanding on the fact that some children do not receive that same support for their differences. Basically, it doesn’t expand on all aspects of being different and experiencing bullying for children who know they are different are don’t have support like Raffi did. What was easy to recognize is the fact that the bullying did cease which seems to portray that children are not necessarily as concerned with abnormalities as it seemed they used to be. The book was easy to connect with and would be an easy tool to help portray being different and loving your own skin to a class.
November 2, 2017
Raffi is like any young boy who is struggling to learn where his patch fits best in the quilted fabric of life. The answer comes to light after an encounter with his teacher, Miss Fernandez, who enjoys spending her free-time knitting. Raffi is immediately smitten with the activity and soon discovers he has a talent for making beautiful scarves, capes, dresses and more. But not everyone is on board with Raffi’s choices. He endures bullying and even more self-discovery questions, like “Do tomgirls exist?” “Why do I feel different from the other children at school?” But, through it all, Raffi remains strong and continues doing what brings him joy no matter if others accept him or choose to label him instead.
‘Made by Raffi’ is certain to have a reader in stitches. But not the humorous kind. Craig Pomranz has cleverly woven together a tale about a young boy who one day, during quiet time at recess on the noisy playground, inadvertently discovers he has a gift for design. The lead character Raffi is very fortunate throughout the story. He has the loving support of both parents, Miss Fernandez and some students at school. Raffi’s parents encourage him to pursue his craft and help him purchase the necessary materials he needs like: wool and knitting needles. His mom even joins the assembly line by creating special clothing labels for Raffi’s birthday which read, ‘Made by Raffi’, a rather witty play on words when it comes to the clever title of the book.
Margaret Chamerlain’s vision of color and creativity shine brightly on each page of ‘Made by Raffi’. Her illustrative talent brings Raffi to life through his various expressions of joy while working on his craft, including the times when Raffi questions who he is. And of course, those dashing garments, especially Dad’s long rainbow-colored scarf. While the colors are vibrant, they are not overwhelming to distract from Mr. Pomranz strong message which is; everyone has a gift and never should one judge another.
‘Made by Raffi’ is an excellent choice to read, especially if a parent has a child who has many self-discovery questions, including what their purpose or talent in life might be. So, knit one, purl two, don’t drop a stitch and cast on by purchasing a copy of ‘Made My Raffi’ today.
‘Made by Raffi’ is certain to have a reader in stitches. But not the humorous kind. Craig Pomranz has cleverly woven together a tale about a young boy who one day, during quiet time at recess on the noisy playground, inadvertently discovers he has a gift for design. The lead character Raffi is very fortunate throughout the story. He has the loving support of both parents, Miss Fernandez and some students at school. Raffi’s parents encourage him to pursue his craft and help him purchase the necessary materials he needs like: wool and knitting needles. His mom even joins the assembly line by creating special clothing labels for Raffi’s birthday which read, ‘Made by Raffi’, a rather witty play on words when it comes to the clever title of the book.
Margaret Chamerlain’s vision of color and creativity shine brightly on each page of ‘Made by Raffi’. Her illustrative talent brings Raffi to life through his various expressions of joy while working on his craft, including the times when Raffi questions who he is. And of course, those dashing garments, especially Dad’s long rainbow-colored scarf. While the colors are vibrant, they are not overwhelming to distract from Mr. Pomranz strong message which is; everyone has a gift and never should one judge another.
‘Made by Raffi’ is an excellent choice to read, especially if a parent has a child who has many self-discovery questions, including what their purpose or talent in life might be. So, knit one, purl two, don’t drop a stitch and cast on by purchasing a copy of ‘Made My Raffi’ today.
December 5, 2014
The illustrations are a little weak but it's a great story.
October 31, 2018
This book spoke to me for many reasons. It tells the story of a little boy named Raffi who feels different from the rest of the world because of his interests and character traits. In the beginning, he is depicted as an outcast at school; a quiet, precocious, thoughful, and artistic little boy. He does not like to play rough, or scream, or run like the other children do. None of the other children engage with Raffi because he is so different from all of them. One day on the playground, he spots one of his teachers knitting a scarf and asks her to teach him all about it. He quickly becomes enammored with making/designing clothes for his friends, family, and peers. Raffi receives a lot of criticism from his peers for his new found interest but prevails in doing what he loves. In the end his peers accept Raffi for who he is and actually show him respect for his courage.
I found the plot of the story to be extremely interesting and unique. I have never read a children's book that has a storyline quite like this. I understand that topics of gender roles, sexuality, and equality can be touchy for some people, but they are an inevitible aspect of human nature. We need to talk about these things, especially with our children since each and every child is so unique and different. It is so important that they learn from a young age to understand one another and accept each other for who they are. The author does a wonderful job of depicting Raffi's home life with his family and portrays his family as accepting and supportive of Raffi's interests. The book's illustrations are also very culturally representative, showing children of all skin types and sizes. The book is very age appropriate and sends out very important messages to both children and adults.
I found the plot of the story to be extremely interesting and unique. I have never read a children's book that has a storyline quite like this. I understand that topics of gender roles, sexuality, and equality can be touchy for some people, but they are an inevitible aspect of human nature. We need to talk about these things, especially with our children since each and every child is so unique and different. It is so important that they learn from a young age to understand one another and accept each other for who they are. The author does a wonderful job of depicting Raffi's home life with his family and portrays his family as accepting and supportive of Raffi's interests. The book's illustrations are also very culturally representative, showing children of all skin types and sizes. The book is very age appropriate and sends out very important messages to both children and adults.
May 9, 2022
I'm not sure about this one.
It had so much potential but something just feels off.
It feels like maybe it should be two separate books?
There's the one side, that talks about Raffi learning to knit, how he is bullied for it, but then creates something amazing that wows all the children at school and proves to them that knitting and sewing can be cool.
I really enjoyed the moral arc of this part of the plot.
Then alongside that there seems to be a nonspecific questioning of Raffi's sexuality? Gender? Self expression? The problem is I'm not sure what it was trying to say.
Raffi asks if there's such a thing as a Tomgirl, which would lead me to say gender expression? But then the story also seems to lean into gay stereotypes of the 'girly' boy who doesn't like football and instead makes clothes for the school play and dreams of becoming a fashion designer. All of which is completely great, if it were the main point of the story and clearly explored.
I think it just missed the mark for me.
It had so much potential but something just feels off.
It feels like maybe it should be two separate books?
There's the one side, that talks about Raffi learning to knit, how he is bullied for it, but then creates something amazing that wows all the children at school and proves to them that knitting and sewing can be cool.
I really enjoyed the moral arc of this part of the plot.
Then alongside that there seems to be a nonspecific questioning of Raffi's sexuality? Gender? Self expression? The problem is I'm not sure what it was trying to say.
Raffi asks if there's such a thing as a Tomgirl, which would lead me to say gender expression? But then the story also seems to lean into gay stereotypes of the 'girly' boy who doesn't like football and instead makes clothes for the school play and dreams of becoming a fashion designer. All of which is completely great, if it were the main point of the story and clearly explored.
I think it just missed the mark for me.
November 11, 2020
Raffi enjoys making things such as textiles and art. The other children tease Raffi but he loves what he does so he ignores them. The gender stereotypes begin to bother Raffi and he feels different until he makes something that his peers are impressed by. Raffi realises that he can have different hobbies to the other boys in his class but still be friends and that is okay.
A fantastic book that breaks down gender stereotypes and encourages inclusion. I would read this book with KS1 and lower KS2 children. The book links very well to art and textiles. FIngerknitting or making their own capes would be good activities that closely link to the story. Before making their textiles, children could do instructional writing to write a step by step guide to how they are going to make their item, as Raffi has in the story.
A fantastic book that breaks down gender stereotypes and encourages inclusion. I would read this book with KS1 and lower KS2 children. The book links very well to art and textiles. FIngerknitting or making their own capes would be good activities that closely link to the story. Before making their textiles, children could do instructional writing to write a step by step guide to how they are going to make their item, as Raffi has in the story.
October 12, 2020
This is an excellent book which would be great to read with years 1 to 3. It has links to art and textiles as Raffi becomes interested in knitting and ends up very talented in knitting and sewing. I think it is particularly effective as it includes feeling different; Raffi wonders why he is being teased and thinks he's weird. It brilliantly handles the concept of stereotypical 'boy' and 'girl' activities, showing that boys can enjoy sewing/knitting, just like other boys can enjoy football. By the end, Raffi's peers notice his talents, and I think this shows how everyone is talented at different things but that everyone is equal. It provides a very positive outlook and makes the topic accessible for younger children too.
February 25, 2022
Wanted to love this book but it just wasn't there...
I do have an issue with the kids (especially Barry) who had previously teased Raffi all of a sudden praising him and saying "He's my friend. He's cool!" becaues they've realized what he's capable of with his crafting, because they see that they can get something out of it. Yes, sometimes we have to convince people that things that have been socially deemed as "weird," especially based on the gender of the person doing those things, are neat and worthwhile, but that doesn't mean it should be the standard, and modeled for kids via picture books.
I also did a bit of an eyeroll at a kid knitter (not that he's not capable) just magically also knowing how to start sewing when he's only recently been super into knitting only...
I do have an issue with the kids (especially Barry) who had previously teased Raffi all of a sudden praising him and saying "He's my friend. He's cool!" becaues they've realized what he's capable of with his crafting, because they see that they can get something out of it. Yes, sometimes we have to convince people that things that have been socially deemed as "weird," especially based on the gender of the person doing those things, are neat and worthwhile, but that doesn't mean it should be the standard, and modeled for kids via picture books.
I also did a bit of an eyeroll at a kid knitter (not that he's not capable) just magically also knowing how to start sewing when he's only recently been super into knitting only...
May 5, 2017
Raffi feels different from the other kids: he likes to wear bright colors and he doesn't like noise and rough play, like the other boys. At recess, he often sits by himself to get a little peace. One day he observes a teacher knitting and when she shows him how, he is hooked! His mom and dad encourage his new interest, but some of the kids at school give him a hard time about it. But Raffi persists, with the support of his parents: "Raffi, you are our wonderful boy with your own special interests." And when he makes a cape for the prince in the school play, suddenly the other students see Raffi in a different light.
A good message for students.
A good message for students.
August 5, 2022
This book is a great introduction to gender identity, gender stereotypes and nonconformity. Raffi isn’t interested in the activities and hobbies the other boys at school are involved in. Instead, he finds he enjoys knitting and textile work. Despite some apprehensions about his newfound interests, such as if it is considered ‘girly’, he soon thrives and becomes excellent at making things. The book explains that interests are not gendered. This story is perfect to begin discussions around gender identity. I would suggest this book is suitable for children in year 3/4 and is a great introduction to further exploration.
September 10, 2017
This book made me smile. This shows a young boy doing something else besides playing football and riding bikes like thew boy stereotype is. This story follows a young boy named Raffi. Raffi doesn't like loud games and he feels somewhat out of place in his classroom. But as the story goes on, Raffi finds something no other boy his age would like. Knitting. This book is great because it can show the other side of the male/boy stereotypes. This would be a great book to share and teach a lesson to your child or students that not everyone is the same. Very well written and inspiring book!
November 2, 2017
I loved this book. This book showed a boy that didn’t like to be around loud noises and noisy games. Instead Raffi loved to knit. Knitting was a very interesting thing for Rafffi to do. The kids would tease him for knitting because it was girly. The illustrator did a great job with the pictures. Children will be able to identify what is happening from looking at the pages. The author also used word easy for younger students to understand. I also loved how the book had people that supported Raffi and the activity he loved to do.
March 3, 2018
"WHY did he feel different from the other children at school? Was it because he was the smallest in his class? Or because his hair was longer than the other boys? Could it because he liked wearing bright colours?"
Gee, if only I knew where to find a kid that fit every single one of those descriptors! Ha, I do. And he wants to knit something for the county fair this year.
Great book for him. :)
Gee, if only I knew where to find a kid that fit every single one of those descriptors! Ha, I do. And he wants to knit something for the county fair this year.
Great book for him. :)
July 21, 2022
Es el viaje de un chico en la búsqueda de si mismo.
Visualmente es un libro hermoso, colorido y muy inclusivo. Las imágenes acompañan muy bien la historia.
Como historia, es muy linda e inspiradora. Todos en el entorno de Raffi lo aceptan sin juzgar, lo apoyan y acompañan en su camino de descubrimiento. Y su descubrimiento rompe esquemas, al menos los antiguos patrones.
Quizás es eso lo que no convence a mis hijas sobre este album. O quizás no se sienten identificadas.
Visualmente es un libro hermoso, colorido y muy inclusivo. Las imágenes acompañan muy bien la historia.
Como historia, es muy linda e inspiradora. Todos en el entorno de Raffi lo aceptan sin juzgar, lo apoyan y acompañan en su camino de descubrimiento. Y su descubrimiento rompe esquemas, al menos los antiguos patrones.
Quizás es eso lo que no convence a mis hijas sobre este album. O quizás no se sienten identificadas.
June 17, 2019
Raffi doesn't like noisy, rowdy activities.
At recess he spends time standing and talking to teachers.
He notices one knitting and asks her to teach him.
He begins knitting all the time. He's also inspired by the class play to create a cape. The cape makes his fellow classmates think his creations are cool.
At recess he spends time standing and talking to teachers.
He notices one knitting and asks her to teach him.
He begins knitting all the time. He's also inspired by the class play to create a cape. The cape makes his fellow classmates think his creations are cool.
April 24, 2019
As a person who has tried and very often failed to make things I’m offended by this kid’s alleged virtuosity at everything he touches. Amazing at knitting AND sewing with essentially no prior experience?? GIVE ME A BREAK *weeps*
December 23, 2020
Raffi enjoys peace and solitude at school, and one day sits down to learn how to knit with a teacher. He is teased for it, but continues on. Soon he learns how to sew, and these skills come in handy during the school play.
April 24, 2021
Great book about a boy who is into knitting and feel he is different than others in his class. This book shows some bullying but the boy stays true to himself, and ultimately his talent wins the favor of his classmates.
October 25, 2017
4.5 stars
April 27, 2018
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It is such a good book and has many lessons throughout it.
September 24, 2023
4.5/5 stars
A great book about gender roles and… knitting! So colorful and fun! Loved it!
This could have been 5 stars, but there was one fatphobic joke that was not needed at all.
A great book about gender roles and… knitting! So colorful and fun! Loved it!
This could have been 5 stars, but there was one fatphobic joke that was not needed at all.
May 27, 2024
Simple story, but I am glad to have it in our home library. I appreciate the quiet ending.
October 18, 2016
Made by Raffi is such a sweet realistic fictional children's book. Little Raffi didn't understand why he felt different than the other children at his school. Raffi didn't like rough and loud play like his peers and he often say out by himself at recess. When Raffi saw his teacher knitting one day, he became very interested. His teacher was patient and showed him how. When Raffi asked his mother to go buy him some yarn and knitting needles she didn't hesitate. His family encouraged his new hobby and Raffi became very good at it. He ended up becoming quite the hit at school with his new found talent. It is very important for young people to learn they can choose their own likes and dislikes. It is so easy to try to fit in and blend in with the crowd. Raffi proves that dispite the traditional views gender plays when it comes to knitting, females aren't the only ones who can participate in the hobby. The illustrations are wonderful. The author of the book relates with Raffi, because it reminds him of his own childhood. When he attended school he enjoyed singing and dancing while his siblings enjoyed sports and all things rough and tumbling. He dedicated the book to his godson, who enjoys knitting.
March 27, 2016
Recommended age range: K – grade 3
Raffi prefers to sit quietly at recess rather than to play energetic games. During one of these times, his teacher teaches him to knit. Raffi loves this new activity, so his parents take him to a wool shop where he decides to make his dad a rainbow scarf for his birthday. Shortly afterwards, his teacher announces that the class will be putting on a play in four days and Raffi decides that he must make a cape for the prince. Will he be able to make it in time? What will his classmates think?
This story is a gentle tale about a young boy following his passion. The illustrations are energetic and portray a diverse group of classmates. The story feels a little disjointed, with the transitions from knitted scarf to sewn cape feeling somewhat jarring. It is as if two stories are being forced into one narrative. The shift from knitting to sewing is also a leap, with the story seeming to believe that it is only natural that a young child who has been obsessed with knitting would easily be able to sew a cape.
This book would send a stronger message about gender non-conformity if it weren’t trying so hard. The awkward asides about Raffi feeling different due to his long hair and quiet demeanor actually take away from the message that it is OK to do non-traditional boy activities. This suggests that boys who like rough and tumble play cannot enjoy quiet, creative pastimes like knitting. Overall, this is a pleasant story that deals with its topic matter adequately but not masterfully.
Raffi prefers to sit quietly at recess rather than to play energetic games. During one of these times, his teacher teaches him to knit. Raffi loves this new activity, so his parents take him to a wool shop where he decides to make his dad a rainbow scarf for his birthday. Shortly afterwards, his teacher announces that the class will be putting on a play in four days and Raffi decides that he must make a cape for the prince. Will he be able to make it in time? What will his classmates think?
This story is a gentle tale about a young boy following his passion. The illustrations are energetic and portray a diverse group of classmates. The story feels a little disjointed, with the transitions from knitted scarf to sewn cape feeling somewhat jarring. It is as if two stories are being forced into one narrative. The shift from knitting to sewing is also a leap, with the story seeming to believe that it is only natural that a young child who has been obsessed with knitting would easily be able to sew a cape.
This book would send a stronger message about gender non-conformity if it weren’t trying so hard. The awkward asides about Raffi feeling different due to his long hair and quiet demeanor actually take away from the message that it is OK to do non-traditional boy activities. This suggests that boys who like rough and tumble play cannot enjoy quiet, creative pastimes like knitting. Overall, this is a pleasant story that deals with its topic matter adequately but not masterfully.
January 20, 2015
I agree with the reviewer below who felt the illustrations were weak in comparison to the story. Stronger, less cartoonish illustrations would have better served this thoughtful book. This is a story about acceptance in which the main character is not bullied...but you get the impression that he could be in the future, when his peers are older and more aware of gender non-conformity. Raffi is a little boy who doesn't like rough play, which I personally don't think is all that strange, but whatever. He discovers knitting and really takes to it, making his dad a big scarf and impressing his classmates with his creativity. I've seen a few people shelve this as GLBTQ, which I think is a bit of a stretch. There's nothing to insinuate that Raffi has any sort of sexuality at all--he's like seven years old. He's not dressing in female clothing either, he just likes to knit and be creative. I suppose this is gender non-conforming? I think my graphic designer husband and self-proclaimed "indoor child" would disagree.
Anyway, none of my quibbles with how this book is shelved take away from the fact that it is, in fact, a thoughtful and cheerful book that celebrates a little boy who looks at the world differently. If the story makes even one kid feel better about not being just like their friends, mission accomplished.
Anyway, none of my quibbles with how this book is shelved take away from the fact that it is, in fact, a thoughtful and cheerful book that celebrates a little boy who looks at the world differently. If the story makes even one kid feel better about not being just like their friends, mission accomplished.
March 18, 2015
An optimistically hopeful tale of a boy who gains acceptance through his skill with knitting. Raffi's belief that he might be different from other children is only barely addressed by the adults around him, which, while it may be a reassuring sign to some children that there is nothing to worry about, lacks a certain amount of empathy for some children who are very much aware of a real world in which they are not automatically accepted as they are and could use a little more positive reinforcement. The inevitable conclusion speaks more to an idealized vision than one where differences are genuinely acknowledged, embraced, and then accepted by others after some sort of transition period. However, the lack of bullying early in the story is refreshing and may represent the more subtle reality that not everyone is particularly concerned by those they don't really understand.
November 12, 2014
Not every boy loves loud, boisterous games; instead, Raffi prefers quieter games and knitting and sewing. His classmates tease him because of his differences, but they stop after he designs a marvelous cape for one of the actors in the class play. One of the things I especially liked about this book is how supportive Raffi's family is. They help him with his new hobbies and encourage him to be himself. The situation in which Raffi finds himself--being teased because he likes doing things typically associated with girls--is one that many children will face when they deviate from what others consider to be the norm. With illustrations were created with pencil and ink, this book provides teachers with places to start conversations about acceptance and individually.
October 18, 2016
Raffi is a boy who loves to knit. The other children in the book tease him about how knitting is girly but Raffi continues to do what he loves anyways. In the end, Raffi's hobby comes handy at the show. The book can provide students with a lot of focus on how to be confident in themselves and what they are good at. The author made the character very realistic and easy to connect with. The book is related to gender roles in the way that it talks about how Raffi is "girly" for knitting. But whether you are a by or girl, one can knit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews