A True Story That Became Something More

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.

The tux

A young man dressed as the University of Tennessee mascot, wearing an orange and white costume and a hat with the 'VOLS' logo, smiling and holding a newspaper celebrating Tennessee's victory in a football game.
Two men in vintage racing suits and clown wig, one with binoculars, standing outside a stadium during daytime.
University of Tennessee football team and mascot running on field during a game.
Two men, one dressed as a police officer and the other in a cream-colored suit and hat, smiling at the camera. The background is a night sky.

About The Authors

Black and white portrait of a smiling man wearing glasses, a suit jacket, white shirt, and orange pocket square, standing against a plain background.

J.R. Greene

J.R’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! Learn more at bigorangetux.com.

Black and white portrait of a middle-aged man with glasses, a beard, and short hair, wearing a suit and crossed arms.

Joe Shands

Joe 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. Learn more at wisdomandinstinct.com

About the illustrator

Children and a dog lying and jumping on a football-shaped field with a large number 2 and 3. Child dressed as a doctor, saying 'That's me!'
Black and white portrait of a smiling man with short hair, beard, and mustache, wearing a button-up shirt.

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 His Work →

Request A Book Signing

A crowd at a football stadium with many spectators wearing orange, focusing on a cartoon illustration of a girl in a white school uniform with an orange bow, holding a megaphone and cheering on the field.
Cover of a children's book titled 'What This Book Teaches,' featuring an animated lion dressed in a sports jersey with the letter 'S', smiling and raising its arms, with a small orange fedora hat at the bottom right corner, and a blue background.
A young girl is reading a book titled "My Magic Tux" in a colorful, decorated room with light green walls, a chair, and a rug with tassels. The background features wall decor including bunting and small triangle shapes.
Illustration of four diverse characters standing together, with an orange button below that says "Swipe to meet the VIPs".
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