What a gem!!! At first it looked like just a kids book store but it isn't. There is a section for adults with different genres, Classics, YA with different genres, and then lots of children's choices. They also have plenty of stickers, note books, pens, pencils, and all kinds of goodies. This store is curated to perfection. It may be small but it is mighty. I wanted half the stuff I looked at! Wonderful wonderful selections. Props to whoever does the curating. I left with a notebook, two books, and a bookmark. Very Queer friendly as well! Staff were so amazing! Amazing store. read more

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Oh my goodness... how have I not left a review this place? (Forgive me!) This is hands down the best bookstore ever! The store and its staff are all amazing. Pippi the cat is the friendliest and softest cat you'll ever meet--literally the most perfect bookshop kitty! The selection of children's book is wonderful. The store is incredibly inviting to children and adults alike. There are a ton of events for kids as well as book clubs for adults. (I've gone to an adult book club meeting and had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people!) the store also carries a ton of signed editions which makes book buying even more special! They also have jellycat stuffed animals which are so cute and soft! It's a great place to buy books and gifts. There is plenty of free parking in the lot behind the store in the public parking area, as well as metered parking right out front. read more

I've been coming to Once Upon A Time for many many years !! This is a Montrose "gem" of a bookstore. They have such an awesome variety of books and trinkets.... Along with the fluffiest .. softest stuffed animals ever ! I usually buy a book and pair it with one of the adorable stuffed animals.... The crew is super friendly .,Great vibe the minute you walk in ! Thank you Once Upon A Time. See you soon read more

I'm a huge bibliophile! I don't think I've ever walked past an open bookstore without stopping and yesterday was no different. We walked into the well lit, colourful, and charming space and were immediately greeted by the staff of three and a cute shop kitty named, Pippie. Because of a shirt I was wearing we all began talking about our favourite horror movies. The shop was setup perfectly with great displays for kids and adults, puzzle lovers, those of us who love a knick-knack, and their Pride display was front and center. We walked around each area searching the shelves; I was not about to leave the store without purchasing something. Found the third book in a trilogy I've been waiting for. We chatted while longer with the personable staff and then walked out with our purchases. Thank you for the warm welcome and beautiful shop! read more

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Goodness how have I never reviewed this gem before? Once Upon a Time might be my favorite store in Montrose, which is a high bar. My daughter has been going there since she was little and is greeted by name when she comes in. The amazing staff recommended a books for both of us and they are always spot on! My daughter also enjoys the summer reading clubs and events. Also, the employee of the month, Pippi, is always sweet and attentive. I can't say enough good things about the store, selection of curated books or the staff. read more

We LOVE this bookstore. I have introduced several friends to it as well. The book pricing is all pretty standard and they have a great selection. The stuffed animals are really high quality and priced accordingly. The events and book signings are awesome, as is the rewards program! The staff are wonderful too, including the book store cat. :) I highly recommend you check out and support this beautiful business! read more

This local bookstore has a great selection of books for my baby. I highly recommend coming here to get your next book for your kiddo(s) or for your friend's kiddo(s). read more

This is a fabulous bookstore for children's books. It is a quiet and welcoming place to search for old and new favourites. The service is subtle and low-key which is just what is needed in a bookstore. Such a charming and delightful collection that won't hurt your pocketbook (not only affordable but necessary!). Worth many a happy visit, with or without little ones. read more

One of the best little books stores in Southern California! This is a great spot to shop for babies, kids, and teens, with a small but well appointed selection of books for adults as well. They always have unique gifts and toys and the staff is super friendly. read more

Saturday 3/11/23 was my first visit to this store and was a very enjoyable experience. The day I came, they were hosting an author event. The store is well stocked with a wide and varied assortment of children's and YA books. The staff were all friendly and answered a few questions that I had. I do love a good bookstore, and this one was perfect. They have metered parking along the street with shops and restaurants to visit either before or after stopping by here. It's definitely worth the drive to visit and shop. read more

Once Upon A Time - Saturdays event - Bookstores Near Me - Montrose, California

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LOVE THIS PLACE AND PIPPI!!! the staff is super duper nice and knowledgeable, always giving good recommendations and they have a rewards program as well. Amazing selection of books, and they are not afraid to carry lgbtq+ titles! huge plus. They carry mostly childrens books, but have a great selection of classics and popular titles for adults. You can also order a book if they do not carry it. Great vibe. read more

Once Upon A Time - Pippi the cat - Bookstores Near Me - Montrose, California

I came in for the first time and I got the book I wanted the staff was very friendly. I highly recommend it. read more

Once Upon A Time - Bookstores Near Me - Montrose, California

A wonderfully cool, well-curated bookstore with gorgeous, queer-friendly staff. Thank You, Great Mystery, for bookstores and the angels who own, run & love them. Visit this bookstore and discover the treasures within. read more

Called in and ordered a fav childhood book of mine. Pleasant service on the phone. The book came very quick, just a few days. Got a call to notify me. I went in the next day to pick up. Very nice shop, wonderfully decorated and easy to walk through. Very nice staff helped me out and even offered to gift wrap my item. A delightful shop. Delightful experience. This is how a bookstore should be run. Thank you. Will come back. Haven't been in years. But I knew where to call to order and I am very pleased with every part of my interactions. read more

Such an adorable gem of a shop! Was having a treat at the ice cream place next door and went in on a whim--I had passed by it many times, thinking it was only a children's book store. I'm so glad I followed the impulse because there is an adorable cat named Pippa that I got to give some scritches, super friendly staff (shout out specifically to Iz and Apollo but everyone was lovely), and cute gifts--not to mention all the amazing books. I definitely plan to go back and am excited to find a local independent bookstore that I can support and use to order new books through! read more

This bookstore is our home away from home! We love coming here and supporting them. Everyone is kind, knowledgeable and always gives the best book recommendations! Gift buying is also breeze! If you're in the area, stop by and grab a book or 10! read more

Once Upon A Time - Books and stuffies galore - Bookstores Near Me - Montrose, California

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I have been living in the area for nearly 7 years and learned about the store recently when my son received a gift card for it. What a local gem! Great variety of books for all ages and such kind staff; I also particularly loved the Staff Picks section. I wish I had a store like this as a child. I love that they also host events especially with children book authors. Gotta support local gems like these! read more

This is the cutest bookstore - and the proprietors are knowledgeable, helpful, spot on with their recommendations, and lovely. If you describe the child, they will have a laundry list of book recommendations that the child is almost guaranteed to love. You can often even pair a book with a related toy. I love their well thought out pairings. I very highly recommend shopping here for all children's books and toys. read more

Love the books, the people, the look and feel ... the cat! My daughter and I will keep coming back again and again. Always so nice the way they gift wrap as well! read more

It's nice that Once Upon a Time is such an institution of Montrose, it's been around for 53 years!!! I was eager to check it out while I was in the area since I love books! The place is cute, full of charming X-mas decorations. As far as book selection, nice books for kids and young adults. You need those to instill reading in younger generations and create hope for the future. For that alone and this store deserves a lot pf praise, they know how to attract kids to books by having cool events, nice displays, selling other merchandise that is fun and cute and make great gifts. The adult book selection is minimal, we could use more titles than your regular best sellers. The classics are well represented, I loved some of their editions that I've never seen around. Could be nice collectibles. The store doesn't have a great book selection, sells other items, great for decor, gifts, etc. But since I love books, any store that tries to encourage reading does it well in my book. Cute place, plenty of parking around, prices are a bit high but they have various rewards if you shop here often. If in Montrose, put Once Upon a Time on your list! read more

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This store is a delight! The team of friendly and helpful employees and the owners have created an atmosphere of joy and the experience of finding new books is made even more thrilling by signed author copies, author visits and lots of cool programming. There is also a beautiful selection of stuffed animals and charming seasonal gifts. Also, the store's cat, is something of a celebrity - you might be lucky enough to meet her when you visit. I shop for my kids, but have recently discovered the adult book section - every book there is a great read. Well done! I can find something for me to read, too. read more

Hi! I really love the book specially when we want to read about or for children but unfortunately I have phobia of cat and this store has a cat. read more

Books: the gifts that keep on giving. Browsing in bookstores has become a lost art as we move into the age of the internet but you can keep this art alive right here at Once Upon a Time. And now is the perfect time to check it out because.... Free gift wrapping! Frequent buyer program! Gifts for everyone! Yes, Once Upon a Time features lots of children's books but they also have books that a more mature audience might appreciate. Plus, they have some of the cutest greeting cards around, odds and ends that would make perfect stocking stuffers, and a cat. Yes. A cat. Every bookstore should have one. Marvelous free Montrose parking in the gigantic parking lots behind Honolulu Ave. read more

Once Upon A Time - Yes, it is Black Friday...and your point is? - Bookstores Near Me - Montrose, California

What an amazing bookstore this is! We went to a book signing by David Shannon and it was so much fun!! The store has a wonderful selection of books, everyone who worked there was kind, friendly and welcoming. It is the oldest children's bookstore in America! How amazing! We joined their email list so we will have future fun stuff to go to. It's about an hour drive from us, and we'll worth it! I love the kitty too!! read more

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Love this place!!! The staff is helpful, courteous, knowledgeable and kind. If they don't have what you are looking for they will order it for you and they gift wrap. The prices are great and they also have well made artisan products that are one of a kind. If you value literacy this is the place to visit. Children can safely learn and explore the magical world of Once Upon A Time!!!! Adults are welcome too :-) read more

Delighted to discover this gem. Wonderful staff and selection. I especially loved their small ASL section as learning sign language is a priority for my family. So happy this is here. read more

Great little bookstore. I am an adult and most of their books are for children however they have always been so kind to order me books they do not have in stock. Very community based with author events and a very adorable cat which I appreciate. Staff is so helpful. Also, bonus points for LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Love to see this in Montrose. read more

Came in today for a few simple Christmas gifts, but will definitely be back for myself. Large selection of recent and progressive books, some local spotlights and I love the handmade art items! read more

Once Upon A Time - Christmas Ornament and page flags. - Bookstores Near Me - Montrose, California

If you're feeling a bit cranky or frayed around the edges, or just in the mood for some wondrous and colourful children's books that'll bring a smile to your face, a trip to a bookshop could set you straight, even if the feeling's temporary. Walking into Once Upon A Time was my favourite possible way to spend a weekend afternoon recently. Now that's it's the holidays, there's even more books and gifts for you to peruse. Yes, it's a children's bookstore (the oldest children's bookstore in the nation actually!), but don't be fooled -- they have quite a good selection of fiction and non-fiction books geared towards the adult clientele. I even saw they had Michelle Obama's best-selling memoir 'Becoming' in there! They have a wide array of children's books for all ages (including young adult). I love flipping through them and admiring the illustrations. It makes me want to be a kid again! Ah well, I can at least live vicariously through my 4-year-old nephew and almost 2-year-old niece. Aside from the typical children's storybooks, they also have colouring and activity books, puzzles, plush toys, and games. Simply put, this bookshop is a gem. If you ever find yourself in lovely Old Town Montrose, make sure to stroll on over to Once Upon A Time and get lost in all their book selections. I love to support small businesses especially independent bookshops as often as possible, and the folks here are passionate book-sellers. read more

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Some of the nicest employees I have ever encountered. They clearly love their work, and the community. Requiring masks as a children's store, when children cannot get vaccinated is not oppression- but a clear sign that they care for their customers. My family has come here for over 20 years. I came when I was a child and first getting the Harry Potter books, got all of my high school required reading books, and now I go here to get books as an adult. Thank you for all you do, Jessica and Maureen. YOU ARE LOVED!!! read more

This place has the kindest staff imaginable. I get all of my books from Once Upon A Time through a friend that works here, and I am always so impressed with all of the staff's patience and recommendations. And they gift wrap year round!An absolute staple of the community. We love you, Once Upon A Time! read more

Once Upon A Time - Beautifully wrapped books!!! - Bookstores Near Me - Montrose, California

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Charming, little bookstore in charming little Montrose Village. The decorations & book displays tend toward the younger set, as it should be. It's good to get young children hooked onto books as soon as possible if only initially to look at the pictures. Acquiring reading skills early may be a good indicator of success in school & later success in life. So it is understandable that Once Upon a Time would want to emphasize books for the young. However, I found plenty of books that were appealing. History, cuisine, cultures, science particularly interest me. I looked in their small but extensive Cooking section & found two books much to my liking: "Food in History", and "On Food & Cooking: The Science & Lore of the Kitchen". Both are great books. One touches on food & history of various cultures through the ages. The other explains why or how physics & chemistry affects the cooking process in order to improve on the techniques to make a better meal. The staff is helpful & friendly. Once Upon a Time is a good addition to the "mom & pop stores" that inhabit this delightful, comely village. For the most part, unlike Old Town Pasadena, Montrose Village has not succumbed to the big, bad chain stores & boutiques that suck the profit away from the community they are selling. The "mom & pops" usually live in or near the community so money tends to circulate in the community as well as more community service & donations to the community occur. Definitely 4+ Yelp stars to Once Upon a Time. May you be with us a long, long time. read more

Once Upon A Time - Night scene: Santa visits in the store front window to the left. 2013-11-29 - Bookstores Near Me - Montrose, California

What a cute shop! My friend and I came in today looking for JellyCats and they did NOT disappoint! We made an appointment to come in, the two ladies working today were super sweet and friendly, and they had a huge selection to choose from. Both employees had masks on, there were shields up at the registers, and we both felt very comfortable. We can't wait to come back again! read more

Once Upon A Time - Ladybird JellyCat - Bookstores Near Me - Montrose, California

I love this store! So charming, full of fun books for everyone. Staff is really friendly and they actually read. You can tell the owner truly loves this store and its customers. And a perk, many of the books in the store are signed! Parking in the lot the street behind, very short walk over to the store from there. read more

I just bought a book from here- the staff is so friendly! They helped me find an age appropriate book for my baby. They have a nice collection of quality curated books. They helped me find the right greeting card for my specific need, by pulling some out that weren't on display. And even helped me with the door on my way out with my stroller. Support local businesses! read more

Great local bookstore. Upon entering received a friendly greeting from Pippi the shop cat ‍ and the staff. Our daughter enjoyed checking out the books and other items while Dad narrowed down some final choices. We came to browse, but also looking for some recommendations for books around the topic of death for a first grader. We were pleased with the location, selection and service. Looking forward to future visits. read more

This bookstore is so adorable. Everyone who works here are not only very friendly but they ae very helpful as well. They not only sell books for the kiddos of all reading and capability levels but they also sell some very cute little accessories and stuffed animals to go with the books. The books are diverse in their topics, stories, illustrators, etc. When have you ever found a Snow White board book illustrated by a Japanese individual who makes everything looks so much more delicate, dainty and feminine. I don't know what to say. I love this book store. It is so adorable and I hope and pray that they stay open for many many more years to come. I want to take my lil one for story time but it may be too soon as she doesn't have the patience to sit there for too long. I think it'd be fun but I don't think she's quite ready. Everything is reasonably priced and pretty clearly marked. I love their hand made card selection. There are some seriously talented and crafty people out there. I was so tempted to buy a few of their lil kids activity sets, totes, beautiful notebooks and note pads, etc. This is definitely a lil neighborhood gem. Stop on in if you are ever in the area. It's right on the corner of Honolulu. There is parking along the street, metered. I didn't see a parking lot at all. Another fun lil fact, they offer complimentary gift wrapping as well, just ask. read more

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Phenomenal selection, and remarkable service! I am so glad that this family owned bookstore is thriving in the current economy. I am always blown away by the level of very personal customer care that I receive, every time I visit here. read more

I drive to Montrose just to come here for my children's books! The staff are so sweet and helpful. They always have the cutest Jellycat stuffies I need. They have a great section on children's books about other cultures and from BIPOC authors. They can order anything you want. Avoid Amazon. Shop local. read more

Being obsessed with books means that bookstores draw me in like a moth to a bright light. It doesn't matter whether it is a chain store or local, new or used. It also doesn't matter if it is an children's bookstore while I am an adult (even though I don't have children!). Heck, I'm hard-pressed to resist a Christian Science Reading Room merely because it has 'reading' in the title! Once Upon A Time is a children's bookstore (the oldest in the nation, it claims); located in the Montrose Shopping Park. Naturally, I was pulled inside with a force beyond my strength to resist... Once Upon A Time is a quaint, charming, local shop which exudes fresh white energy and a sort of cottage-type feel. Instead of bombarding children and parents with overdone whimsical animals or characters; Once Upon A Time feels more mature like a gift shop foregoing the Fischer-Price mold. This allows patrons of any age to feel comfortable throughout the store. What does Once Upon A Time offer? Naturally the main focus are books and Once Upon A Time divides the stock per age group from picture books to Young Adult. Within these delineations; shelves are further compartmentalized based on topic (such as mystery, science, poetry, etc). There aren't any large signs, however, so it is best to just browse and look around to find what you seek. In addition to books, Once Upon A Time sells journals, sketchbooks, book marks, erasers, stuffed animals (characters from specific books), dolls, and other child-inspired tidbits. Watch the prices though: they are a little bit high. The coolest addition? In the back of the store, there is a USPS-official display selling parcel boxes and packages. You can buy a book, stuffed animal, AND a box to ship it in, at Once Upon A Time! Sadly, customer service is Once Upon A Time's biggest pitfall. Perhaps it was just my visit as the shop seems to have positive reviews; but I did not feel welcome. There was one male on duty and he did not welcome us into the store or ask if we needed help (was it because we didn't have children with us and we were two adults?). I went to look at the revolving bookmark display on the counter and his fast-food container was blocking it (unprofessional). Granted, he moved it but still did not strike up a conversation until we were walking out the door and THEN asked if we were looking for anything in particular. Too little, too late, buddy! Definitely not the type of local, neighborhood customer service one would expect. Once Upon A Time supplements store products by holding multiple store events and author signings per month. Although I have not attended one so I can not vouch for them; the website's calendar appears to be packed so it is something worth checking out if your child is into that sort of thing. Once Upon A Time is unique in that it caters specifically to children and preteens in a friendly but not overly-dummied down environment. The shop is worth visiting when searching for a book and small gift but I would definitely suggest a lesson in customer service for the staff. Once Upon a Time is not bad but also won't blow you away. read more