Real men read books was the message for a group of Christchurch school children taking part in an unusual reading lesson in the lead-up to the Children's Book Awards.
Road workers read Children's Book Award finalist Roadworks to the group as part of a festival that celebrates the year's best books.
"Well, normally I am out there on my own, talking to myself, just delivering machinery around town. This is a good break from that," John de Boer told ONE News.
One child said de Boer's voice was good, while others were just happy to hear stories about big trucks and diggers.
Children's Book Award judges were happy to see road workers lending their muscle to the reading message.
"They showed their enjoyment while they were sharing the stories with the kids," judge Bill Naglekerke said.
"That's almost as important as the actual quality of the language."
The book awards winners will be announced next week.
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