Thank you for visiting and shopping at Once Upon A Time Bookstore. At America's Oldest Children's Bookstore, we have a personal shipping policy to make your shopping experience convenient and easy with our special local bookstore flair. We want you to be completely happy with your order and will make every effort to accommodate special requests. Please see our standard options below. You will receive shipping costs and delivery specifics with your order confirmation.
Free In-Store or Curbside Pickup
You can help the environment and save on shipping by choosing store pickup during checkout. After placing an order for store pickup, your order will typically be ready for pick up within 2-5 business days. We will notify you when the order is ready for pick up so you can stop by during our operating hours.
Curbside Pick-Up
About 10 minutes before you arrive, please give us a call ((818) 248-9668) or text ((818) 369-9639) so we can prepare your order for contactless curbside pick up. Your order will be placed in a bag with your name on it in our pick up basket in front of our door. Just pull up to a parking space in front to grab your bag.
Free Local Delivery
Once Upon A Time Bookstore offers FREE local delivery with a $15 minimum purchase to shipping addresses with zip codes 91020, 91011, 91214, and 91208. Deliveries are typically in the morning before 10 am and we will notify you the night before your order goes out.
We will make one delivery attempt. If we find the address inaccessible, we will arrange for a different delivery method free of charge.
Domestic Shipping
All orders are processed within 2-3 business days. Orders are processed Monday - Saturday. Orders are shipped Monday - Friday. Orders are not processed or shipped on holidays.
If we are experiencing a high volume of orders, shipments may be delayed by a few days. Delivery delays can occasionally occur.
Shipping rates & delivery estimates
Shipping charges for your order will be calculated and displayed during checkout. If you choose to have the items shipped as they become available, the total shipping charge is likely to be higher than what is calculated during checkout.
Letter Mail
Orders containing just gift cards or stickers can be mailed using a standard envelope.
USPS Letter Mail: $1 (2-5 days, no tracking, no insurance)
Media Mail (Books only)
Also known as book rate, this can take anywhere between 7 to 10 business days after being shipped and does not come with insurance. During the busy holiday season, it will take longer. Free Media Mail for orders over $50. Orders including pre-ordered titles or non-book items are excluded.
Holiday deadline is Friday, December 12th 2025
USPS Media Mail: $5 plus $0.75 per item charge (7-10 days, includes tracking, no insurance)
USPS Ground Mail
For orders that contain more than books. Ground mail can take between 4 to 7 days after being shipped and comes with tracking. During the busy holiday season, it will take longer.
Holiday deadline is Monday, December 15th 2025
USPS Ground Mail: $9 plus $1.75 per item charge (4-7 days, includes tracking, no insurance)
USPS Priority Mail
The way to go if you need your order quickly. Priority mail can take between 2 to 4 days after being shipped and comes with tracking and $50 insurance. During the busy holiday season, it will take longer.
Holiday deadline is Wednesday, December 17th 2025
USPS Priority Mail: $10 plus $2.25 per item charge (2-4 days, includes tracking and $50 insurance)
Taxes
Sales tax will be charged for all books picked up or shipped to California state addresses.
International Shipping
We offer international shipping. We will adjust the cost based on the actual cost which can be upwards of $30-50 for one book. In addition, we cannot ship over 4lbs in one package (that is an International Mail restriction).
We will work with you to find the best option for your needs, please contact us if you have any questions about international shipping.
Your order may be subject to import duties and taxes (including VAT), which are incurred once a shipment reaches your destination country. Once Upon A Time Bookstore is not responsible for these charges if they are applied and are your responsibility as a customer.
International 1st Class, 4 lbs. or less (including packaging): Rate by weight & zone
How do I check the status of my order?
When your order has been shipped, you will receive an email notification from us. You can login to the website at any time to check the status of the order and the tracking number.
If you have questions about the status of your order, please contact us at Orders@onceupona.com with your name and order number.