UT Press debuts first children’s picture book with My Magic Tux

The University of Tennessee Press has published its first children’s picture book, My Magic Tux, a story based on J.R. Greene’s 1998 orange-and-white tuxedo run onto the field at the Fiesta Bowl. The book is already the top pre-seller in UT Press history and will help fund UT Libraries and future literacy-focused initiatives.

Why it matters: - UT Press is moving beyond its traditional scholarly catalog into children’s publishing for the first time. - The book’s proceeds and 100% of Greene’s royalties will support UT Libraries, literacy, education and lifelong learning. - UT Press also plans to use future development tied to the book to support a charitable entity and awards program focused on courage and confidence in children. - The release gives UT Press a new way to reach families and younger readers while extending the University of Tennessee’s land-grant mission.

What happened: - University of Tennessee Press published My Magic Tux: A Big Orange Story of Courage and Confidence, its first-ever children’s picture book. - The book is authored by J.R. Greene, known as the “Big Orange Tux Guy,” with coauthor and storyteller Joe Shands. - Award-winning illustrator Nicholas Childs created the artwork. - UT Press says the book is the first title in its new children’s publishing program. - The launch event took place on the UT campus on July 28, with UT academic and press leadership, Greene, former players, family members, staff and alumni attending. - The new book mascot, Tuxie, appeared at the launch and a read-aloud took place at UT’s John C. Hodges Library.

The details: - My Magic Tux is based on a true story covered by ESPN. - Greene ran onto the field with the UT football team wearing an orange-and-white tuxedo at the 1998 national championship game in Tempe, Arizona. - Greene was a 24-year-old UT graduate student at the time. - Greene describes the book as a reminder that one brave action can change everything. - The book is aimed at preschool- and elementary school-aged children, but UT Press says it is for readers of all ages. - My Magic Tux is available in bookstores and online in hardcover and ebook formats. - The book is also a tete-bêche title, meaning the binding combines two books into one and readers flip it over at “halftime” to continue the story. - UT Press says the book is the No. 1 pre-selling title in the history of UT Press. - A website for the book is available at more information. - Tuxie is also being promoted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest under @mymagictux.

Between the lines: - UT Press has historically focused on academic and regional publishing, so a children’s picture book marks a noticeable expansion in audience and format. - The project leans on a familiar Tennessee sports story to build a book that blends nostalgia, school pride and a lesson about confidence. - The pre-sale performance suggests the book could also serve as a gateway product for UT Press’s broader catalog. - Greene has been promoting the release through media appearances and his SuperFan Diaries podcast, which centers on fan culture and sports stories.

What’s next: - Greene has been asked to return to one Knoxville TV station in early fall to co-host a college football segment. - UT Press is expected to build on the new children’s publishing program with future titles. - The book’s related charitable and awards initiatives are planned for future development. - Readers can follow the Tuxie character online as the launch campaign expands.

The bottom line: - My Magic Tux turns a signature Tennessee football moment into UT Press’s first children’s book and a new publishing lane with fundraising upside.