Once Upon A Time is the oldest children’s bookstore in the nation. It is charming, nostalgic, and everything good about being a child (or adult for that matter)! In addition to it’s charming interior, it’s located in the picturesque town of Montrose which makes it perfect to go shopping and then grab a snack after. It’s a fun, wholesome, and entertaining place for the family.
Once Upon A Time was opened in 1966 by Jane Humphrey. When word spread that the bookstore was going to close, 9-year-old Jessica Palacios wrote a letter to the editor at the LA Times to save it. In turn, this inspired her mother and book lover, Maureen Palacios, to buy and operate the business. There couldn’t be a more perfect person continuing the Once Upon A Time legacy.
Today, the shop is thriving and filled with so much love and fun. They pride themselves in creating a local first store that “spurs imagination, whimsy, and a passion for reading.” I love to come here to find a good book and feel the joy of being a child again.
They carry intelligently curated books and gifts for the entire family, and have incredible events to attend. There’s story time, book releases, and book signings all the time, as well as release parties and book clubs for all ages. Recently, Kobe Bryant was here for the release of his new children’s book. Visit their website for a calendar of events and feel about about supporting a local bookstore!
