AT a time when there is so much to capture our children’s attention – be it the TV, computer games or the iPad – it is more important than ever to promote books and reading.

If you are an avid reader, you will know too well the power of a good book.

It can take you to a magical world, enable you to forgot your troubles for a little while, to learn about the world and inspire you.

But the sad fact is that many youngsters have never experienced what we have experienced and many never will.

That is why the Young City Reads event is so important.

Each year a book is chosen and children in schools across Brighton and Hove read it at the same time.

All manner of activities are held across the weeks. There will be discussions, plays, art competitions and much more.

It is a fantastic way to introduce young people to books. If they know their peers are reading it too, they will want to be part of it. What is often an individual experience is transformed into a collective event.

In today’s Argus the organisers have announced this year’s book: Kid Normal by Radio 1 DJ Greg James and newsreader Chris Smith.

It is fantastic that they have managed to secure such big names.

It will only add to the success of the event and it will be great to have the pair in Brighton during the festival.

For many children the event will no doubt be preaching to the converted. But if this year’s Young City Reads gets just a handful of others into books then it should rightfully declared a success.