Riddell, who lives in the city was appointed as patron to highlight and support the organisation's commitment to enriching young lives through shared reading.
He is one of the most regarded authors and illustrators of his generation, particularly known for his witty, atmospheric and evocative illustrations, he is also a great advocate of the educational importance in reading for pleasure and a champion of libraries, particularly in primary schools. He has just been made President of the School Library Association.
Young City Reads is a simple and effective concept: one book by one author is selected for the whole community to read, discuss, debate and creatively engage with in a series of special events, workshops and performances.
It was launched in 2013 and now sees over 2,000 primary school children take part over the 10 weeks, with a huge interactive finale event with the author and illustrator to celebrate the project"s end during Brighton Festival.
Chris Riddell commented on his appointment as Patron saying: "I'm proud to be a patron of Young City Reads which energises children throughout the city each year, creating new, engaged readers who discover the transformative power of reading for pleasure."
Collected Works' largest projects are City Reads and Young City Reads, running annually with the aim to spread a love of books and ideas to the widest possible audience across Brighton, Hove and beyond.
Sarah Hutchings, Founding Director of Collected Works CIC said: "(Chris) will be an inspiration and role model to all the young readers we come into contact with and will act as an ambassador for the shared reading initiatives Collected Works CIC delivers across Sussex."
The official announcement will be made at the Young City Reads Brighton Festival finale event on the 23rd May 2017.