 ABOUT ONCE UPON A TIME
Founded in 1966 by Jane Humphrey, this bookstore has been a special place for thousands of children and adults alike throughout the years. We are proud to be independent booksellers, with a unique combination of superb customer service, fast special order fulfillment and we continue to carry only QUALITY children’s books and a an intelligently selected choice selection of books for the entire family.
In April 2003, the Palacios family, by way of our then 9-year old daughter Jessica’s letter-to–the-editor, bought the business from Jane, who is now enjoying much more travel and leisure time with her Mr. Bob.
Our store’s latest location, 2207 Honolulu, is nestled between mouth-watering Zeke’s BBQ and that fun-loving diner Rocky Cola Café. Visit us at the east end of Honolulu Avenue in Montrose Shopping Park by Verdugo to experience all our store’s delights and while you are here – visit our neighbors for a bite!
We have been blessed by some great press:
- *BLOGS WE LOVE:*
Maureen and her daughters: http://booksbakingandotherbytes.blogspot.com/
Bookseller extraordinaire Judy Kruegerhttp://keepthewisdom.blogspot.com/
- In the July 21, 2008 edition of Publisher’s Weekly, the trade magazine named us the Oldest Children’s Bookstore in the nation since the store was established in 1966 and is still thriving and raring to go! (http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6579805.html)
- We had a great front page write up from the Glendale News Press 4/14/08 along with two cute pictures of our Teddy Bear Picnic and Parade event that was in celebration of Courdoroy's 40th birthday. We read a handful of bear-themed stories, traipsed up Honolulu Avenue blowing bubbles, holding onto our teddies and continued our party at our good friend Gerry Puhara's Tender Treasures shop. (www.tendertreasures.com)
- The Auto Club's Westways January/February 2007 magazine issue mentioned Once Upon A Time (along with 2 other Southland stores): "Pleasantly chaotic is how some might describe this neighborhood fixture, which turned 40 years old this year." As well as noting ..owner Maureen Palacios' two girls, Jessica, 12, and Amelia, 11, pen thoughtful reviews of newly released chapter books for the May We Recommend section up front.
- November 2005 issue of Sunset Magazine included us in the "5 Great Children's Bookstores"
http://www.sunset.com/sunset/travel/article/0,20633,1110995,00.html
- The Los Angeles Times' Calendar section, January 19, 2006, had a wonderful feature article about independent children's booksellers in the Southland. We were thrilled to be included, as they interviewed us, and Jessica's picture of her reading on the sofa was actually on the FRONT PAGE OF THE LA TIMES, as well as in the Calendar section. WOW!
- The wonderful insider’s reference book – “Hometown Pasadena”, published by Prospect Park Books,speaks lovingly about our store.
We welcome oldtime customers, their children, and grandchildren, and of course, all newcomers to our warm, comfortable and nurturing bookshoppe.
We await your visit...............
Sincerely,
Maureen, Jorge, Jessica and Amelia Palacios & Kitty Mama |
