Purple Toes, Life Lessons and Shoes for the Needy

There’s a guy who lives a few hours away from me – someone I’ve never met, but he’s been my hero for eight days now. I read an article about his new children’s book, “My Purple Toes,” and have been smiling ever since.

 Blair Hahn is a lawyer in Charleston, S.C., with a sense of humor, a heart and hutzpah. Like a tiny pebble dropped into a pond, Hahn’s light-hearted actions on one particular day resulted in a ripple effect he or his family hardly could have imagined.

 “The idea for ‘My Purple Toes’ all started with a trip to a nail salon with my daughter who I astonished when I boldly offered to get my toenails painted purple,” said Hahn in a Newswire press release.

The excursion was meant to be a bonding experience for teenage daughter and dad. A pedicure had been planned by his daughter, but the colorful outcome had not. His daughter walked out with pink toes, and he waltzed out with purple.

The laughs and reactions from strangers, his wife and friends culminated in life lessons that were perfect for a children’s picture book: the importance of enjoying life, being oneself and accepting others. So, Hahn teamed up with Charleston artist Tate Nation, and they ended up with a cheery board-style book aimed at kids 1 to 5 years old.

I like Hahn’s style – and I’m not talking about the nail polish. I like that he wanted to spend time with his daughter in her environment. I like that he was confident enough to have a little fun and then stand by his decision. I like that he was inspired enough to turn it into a book to teach children, and I love that he is sharing the proceeds with the needy.

A portion of the sales will benefit Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based non-profit charity that collects new and gently used shoes and distributes them to people around the world.

“The launch of ‘My Purple Toes’ has created a unique opportunity to give back to children in need,” said the author, “and we look forward to donating to Soles4Souls in support of its worthy cause.”

Almost 11 million pairs of shoes have been given in the last five years. The footwear has gone to Hurricane Katrina victims, as well as millions of others in 125 countries.

While “My Purple Toes” is not offered through BigUniverse.com, there are many selections on the children’s picture books website that touch on issues of confidence, kindness, sharing and personal growth. Here are just a few to get you started:

• “The Little Dragon Who Couldn’t Breathe Fire” by Lobster Press. Topic: Celebrating differences.
• “Is a Worry Worrying You?” by authors Ferida Wolff and Harriet Savitz and illustrator Marie Le Tourneau. Tanglewood Press. Topic: Fear.
• “Mrs. Murphy’s Marvelous Mansion” by author Emma Perry Roberts and illustrator Robert Rogalski and published by Illumination Arts. Topics: Acceptance and inner beauty.
• “Cowboy Slim” by author Julie Danneberg and illustrator Margot Apple and published by Charlesbridge. Topics: Determination and being unique.

 Note: Library, school and hospital representatives may contact the author directly at 1-(800) 247-6553 or blair@mypurpletoes.com to request copies of the book at a discounted rate.