J.R. Greene, author of My Magic Tux: A Big Orange Story of Courage and Confidence, the first children’s picture book by University of Tennessee Press, will partner with Cruze Farm Dairy for a book reading and signing in September.
The event will be held Sunday, Sept. 20, from 2-3 p.m. at Cruze Farm Dairy’s downtown Knoxville location at 445 S. Gay St., Suite 105. Fans and families can meet Greene, hear him read My Magic Tux and purchase signed copies. Attendees also can enjoy “The Tuxie Swirl,” a special ice cream flavor created by Cruze Farm supporting Tennessee’s first ever children’s book, with the option to add sprinkles and sparkles.
“As a Knoxvillian, my family and I love Cruze Farm, and we know how much the community loves it,” Greene said. “We’re excited to read and sign some books together. My hope is that young readers are equally inspired to believe in themselves, have the courage to dream big and discover the magic they can create in their own lives.”
Greene, known throughout Vol Nation as the “Big Orange Tux Guy,” famously ran onto the field with the Tennessee football team while wearing a handmade orange-and-white tuxedo before the Vols played in the 1998 national championship.
“I’ve enjoyed reading the book with my children, and we’re excited to share it and sell it in our stores,” Cruze Farm Dairy co-owner Colleen Cruze Bhatti said. “We especially love bringing a new flavor to highlight this event, and the sprinkles and sparkles can add a little extra magic.”
“The Tuxie Swirl,” will be available for purchase leading up to the event and until the end of the month.
Based on a true story that gained national attention years later through ESPN, My Magic Tux follows Greene’s unforgettable appearance alongside the Tennessee football team and transforms the story into a message about courage, confidence and being yourself. The book is designed for preschool- and elementary school-aged children while offering an inspiring message for readers of all ages.
Greene, dubbed the “ultimate party crasher” in ESPN’s coverage, worked with coauthor and storyteller Joe Shands and award-winning illustrator Nicholas Childs to create the book for UT Press and the first title in the new children’s publishing program for the academic press.
Proceeds from the book and 100% of Greene’s author royalties benefit UT Libraries, supporting literacy, education and lifelong learning, as well as the planned future development of a charitable organization focused on fostering courage and confidence in children.
Information about the book is available at mymagictux.com. Fans and readers can follow Tuxie on social media via @mymagictux on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest and via @mymagictuxbook on TikTok.
