* New Release *

An alphabet book
 A love letter to a city
An architectural primer
.
TEASER BOOK TRAILER
What if you were an owl?
What would you see in the city?
Winnipeg’s skyline offers a window into a playful world of contemporary and historic architecture across the seasons. Learn your ABCs and XYZs and learn about Winnipeg’s hidden and not-so-hidden architectural gems.

This is more than just an alphabet book. It’s an ABC book + picture book + little readers’ book, all rolled into one. Everyone who loves their city (or is visiting the city) and wants to explore its secrets from an owl’s eye view . . . somewhere between what is real and a dream—this book is for you.

W is for Winnipeg doesn't just entertain. It invites children to notice details, ask questions, and imagine themselves as future designers, architects, builders, planners, and creators.
Support independent authors directly through FriesenPress
W IS FOR WINNIPEG is also available in print and eBook editions from your favourite online retailer; order through your local bookstore or request through your local library
ISBN
Hardcover
978-1-03-832725-3
Paperback
978-1-03-832724-6
eBook
978-1-03-832726-0
Audiobook
978-1-03-832727-7
COMING SOON!
FINALIST
2025 Little Peeps Book Awards
(Children’s Books and Early Readers)
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Brava on a stunning and essential book that will spark curiosity and teach young minds to see our city in a whole new way!
 
In W is for Winnipeg — A Little Architect’s ABC (Friesen Press), author Dr. Rae Bridgman invites readers on a whimsical journey through Winnipeg’s urban landscape—guided by the city’s owl population. With captivating illustrations and fascinating facts, the book seamlessly weaves together the ABCs with the rich tapestry of Winnipeg’s built environment, celebrating iconic architecture, both historic and contemporary.
 
W is for Winnipeg nurtures an appreciation for architecture, urban design, and urban wildlife. Whether for a young reader, a lifelong Winnipegger, or a visitor discovering the city, this beautifully crafted book offers a fresh perspective on the city’s architectural wonders along with strong encouragement to go owling. Just like owls can be a great phantom, architectural details can escape the casual observer. While learning their ABC's, the next gen of city builders will learn to look.
-- Hazel Borys
✰✰✰ SOARING REVIEWS ✰✰✰
You can read W is for Winnipeg in a variety of ways. You can read it for its unique way to learn the alphabet. You can read it for the introduction to Winnipeg’s varied architecture—and the history and/or beliefs behind it. You can enjoy it for the splendid artwork. You can even read it to learn about Manitoba’s owls. No matter how you read it, W is for Winnipeg is sure to evoke wonder. [5-star Review] - Reader View Book Reviews 

While the landmarks may be very familiar to Winnipeg residents, readers from other locations could not be blamed for wondering how so many marvels fit into one city.....A lovely, whimsical celebration of Winnipeg’s varied architecture. - Kirkus Reviews

Heritage Winnipeg is thrilled to promote this new ABC picture book for young children! This inspirational book with beautiful illustrations has immense educational value, raising awareness among younger generations and highlighting the historical value of our city's irreplaceable built heritage.
— Cindy Tugwell, Heritage Winnipeg

Illustrated with whimsical drawings, this book provides a wonderful introduction to the richness and variety of Winnipeg’s places and spaces.
— Susan Algie, Winnipeg Architecture Foundation

A delightful romp through significant Winnipeg landmarks, the rhyming picture book W is for Winnipeg strikes a balance between educational utility and tasteful design.
— Willem Marx, Foreword Clarion Reviews

Rae St. Clair Bridgman’s W IS FOR WINNIPEG: A Little Architect’s ABC is a thoughtful and beautifully illustrated children’s book.
— Craig Jones, for IndieReader
ARTICLES
2022
Into the Woods and Out to the World, UM Today News, University of Manitoba (September 2022)
RESOURCES
Rae St. Clair Bridgman © 2026 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED