My City Speaks: questions to ask and activities to try
A girl who is visually impaired explores her city through sounds, smells, textures and movement, and her city has a lot to say. My City Speaks is a rich, joyful picture of an ordinary day.
What age is it for? My City Speaks is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Visual impairment and sensory exploration.
My City Speaks (Darren Lebeuf)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Visual impairment and sensory exploration
Her visual impairment is one part of a full, ordinary day, not the only interesting thing about her. Use it to slow down and notice the world with all your senses, the way she does.
What it helps with
- Visual impairment as part of ordinary life
- Noticing the world with every sense
- Mindful, slow attention
- Disability representation without pity
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What can you hear, smell or feel around you right now?”
- “What did the girl notice in her city?”
- “Which part of her day would you like to try?”
- “How does your street sound in the morning?”
- “What would you show a friend about where you live?”
- “What things do you notice when you close your eyes?”
5-minute activities to try together
Three sounds
On your next walk, stop for a minute and name three sounds you can hear.
Texture hunt
Find five different textures at home or outside, like rough, smooth and bumpy, and describe each one.
Free printables: My City Speaks worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
What Happened to You? (James Catchpole)
- Best for
- Physical disability, limb difference, curiosity and privacy
- Age
- 4-8
You're SO Amazing! (James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole)
- Best for
- Disability, inclusion and avoiding inspiration stereotypes
- Age
- 4-8
We Move Together (Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire)
- Best for
- Mobility, accessibility, inclusion and disability community
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.