WELL-KNOWN faces from across Bradford have been encouraging children in the district to get involved in World Book Day on March 3.

Activities will be taking place at schools and libraries all over the district, and some of the city's most prominent figures have been sharing their favourite books and why reading is so important for children.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds, said her favourite book is You're Coming With Me, Lad, by York-born policeman-turned-author Mike Pannett.

Cllr Dodds said: "I love the Mike Pannett books about his rural bobby beat; the characters and incidents are very entertaining, and his love of nature and the countryside really make them a good read."

Bradford Bulls chief executive officer Robbie Hunter-Paul, whose favourite book is A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin, said: "I absolutely love the Game of Thrones television series but it does not hold a candle to the five novels behind it.

"I encourage other fans of the programme who haven't already read the books which inspired it to get stuck into them too – they’re brilliant."

Author and poet Joolz Denby recommends Edith Wharton novels Hudson River Bracketed and its sequel The Gods Arrive, which she described as genuine masterpieces.

She said: "They are absolutely the most accurate and brilliant description of a male artist's thought processes and attitudes ever written and a superb depiction of the way that celebrity can destroy creativity in the modern world.

"It is also a heart-rending love story, with absolutely wonderful writing throughout and the reader's interest doesn't flag for a second."

Councillors Angela Tait and Simon Cooke said their favourite books are Trapped by Rosie Lewis, and Tactics of Mistake by Gordon Dickson, respectively.

Cllr Tait said: "It is a book written by a foster carer based on her true life experiences, and this type of book really tugs at my heart strings and makes me more aware of issues that some people face."

Cllr Cooke said: "I've got so much from reading science fiction and this is a brilliant starter with a great story, interesting ideas and engaging characters."

Ima Quershi, director of Bradford Literature Festival, said that her's and her ten-year-old daughter Noorie's favourite book is Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

She said: "When my daughter got this gorgeous illustrated version of Harry Potter for Christmas, we made a pact to read it together and we haven't been able to put it down to the extent that we've had to delay bedtime on a number of occasions."

Imran Hafeez, manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford recommends When Breath Becomes Air by Pail Kalanithi.

He said: "This is my latest read, it's a very sad, heartbreaking and rattling memo of a young neuro-surgeon with the world at his feet who develops a terminal cancer.

"His reflections as a surgeon and a patient, his interest in literature and philosophy on becoming a parent and life are extremely touching."

Rachel Kelly, chief executive of Bradford charity Reading Matters, chose The Valley, A Hundred Years in the Life of A Yorkshire Family, by Richard Benson.

"It is a piece of social history, based on real events of one family. It's sad, funny, compelling, interesting and informative and a real insight into the lives of ordinary people, and I certainly shed a few tears, especially over events depicted during the Miners' Strike."

Mark Haddon's A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time was chosen by the director of Bradford Community Broadcast Radio, Mary Dowson, who said: "I loved this book as it really made me understand the world from a completely different perspective, that of a 15-year-old boy with Aspergers Syndrome; I then bought it it as a Christmas present for everyone I knew!"

On World Book Day itself, the Lord Mayor will see off a train with pupils from Parkland Primary, Eastburn Infant and Junior, and Girlington Primary Schools onboard in a carriage which will be transformed into a hub of literary activity.

Yorkshire authors Mike Pannett and Irene Lofthouse will also be aboard the Grand Central Rail train, which will travel from Bradford Interchange to Doncaster through some of Yorkshire's finest scenery.

Elsewhere, Caryl Hart, an award-winning children’s author, who has written more than 20 children’s picture books - including the popular Albie series, will visit Manningham Library in Bradford.

* Are you holding a World Book Day event? Share your pictures and videos by sending to newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or @Bradford_TandA