My Magic Tux: A Big Orange Story of Courage and Confidence

by J. R. Greene, Joe Shands, Nicholas Child (Illustrator)

Overview

An epic story for children of all ages, Tennessee football fans, and anyone who's ever had stage fright.

“You’ve got guts wearing that tux. Wanna come down on the field with us?”

Gosh, YES, the Big Orange Tux Guy would love to go down on the field where his favorite team is about to play the championship game!

Motivated by a negative comment about the Tennessee Volunteers, a young boy harnesses the power of a magic suit to prove his team has class. This joyful tale follows the Big Orange Tux Guy as he finds creative ways to support his team, perform in front of a crowd (gulp!), save a cherished souvenir, and ultimately lead his team onto the field to win the championship!

Based on a wild true story, this distinctive tête-bêche book allows the reader to experience both halves of the big game by flipping it upside down halfway through.

Not just for Vols fans, My Magic Tux shows how courage and confidence can help kids overcome fear, follow their dreams, and have a great time along the way. Enjoy this epic tale for children of all ages, football fans, UT Vols fans, and anyone who's ever had stage fright.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798895271148
Publisher:	University of Tennessee Press
Publication date:	04/21/2026
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	11.00(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	3 - 9 Years

About the Author

J.R. Greene’s wild tuxedo moment at a football game sparked a legendary journey. He went on to work for several of the largest companies in the world, ultimately founding a national mental health company. Greene has also spun the wheel on the Price Is Right game show and hosted sports programs. Through it all, he inspires students and leaders through speaking, storytelling, and philanthropy—all powered by confidence, kindness, and fun. This is J. R.’s first book!

Joe Shands is a writer and storyteller. He hails from the foothills of Tennessee and has been a proud Tennessee Volunteer since birth. Shands has been a brand-building professional and the writer behind many well-known advertising campaigns—including Got Milk? and Brand Jordan—for more than thirty years. Part ad man, part observer of life, he believes the best stories leave a mark—and maybe even raise a goosebump.

Nicholas Child is a freelance illustrator based in Cheshire, England. He has illustrated a wide variety of picture books; some of his clients include Paperchase, Sainsbury’s, and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece. See more of his works at www.thechildrensillustrator.com.