My longtime favorite Irvine bookstore is A Whale of a Tale Children’s Bookshoppe!

When my son, Max, was little, we loved to go to A Whale of a Take together to hear famous authors read from their books or just to browse their shelves.  I believe our favorite was Dave Shannon, author of “No, David!” and “How I Became a Pirate.”

We especially loved their magical late-night parties when the newest Harry Potter books were first released!

For 20 years Irvine’s own secret garden of children’s books, owned and run by Alex Uhl, has given time and dollars to enhancing community spirit and the education of young people.  They’ve truly lived up to their motto of “Integrity + Service + Respect + Love of Books and Community.”

Irvine City Councilmember Melissa Fox with Whale of a Tale children’s bookstore owner, Alex Uhl.

Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, A Whale of a Tale has had to close to the public.

However, they’ve now announced that they will be offering carry-out curbside book service!

It also a great way to support one of our most community-oriented local independent small businesses!

Here’s their announcement:

“Dear Book Readers,

We hope you are safe, healthy, and enjoying some quality time with your family!
As you know, A Whale of a Tale is closed to the public till further notice…and of course, all of our March and April events have been cancelled.  However, in order to satisfy your need for books and to support your local independent bookstore….

Beginning April 1st we will be offering
BOOK CARRY-OUT curbside book service…
pick-up ONLY!

Interested? We do not have an active on-line shopping cart, but you can still order via e-mail.  So, complete this form if you would like to purchase (add a couple of alternative options)   or e-mail a list to  bookwhale@aol.com 
 (Please include your phone number)

We will gather the books, package them and have them ready for curbside pickup.  If we don’t have a specific book, we will make every effort to order (might take a day or two longer) and/or offer an alternative.  As soon as your order is ready, we’ll give you a call to arrange for payment and pick up. 

Not sure about selection???  Give us your child’s age, gender and interests and we can pull together a SURPRISE Bag of books!! 

 Whale of a Tale is an independent bookstore, in business since 1989, serving children of all ages in greater Orange County, especially Irvine.  It is an honor to serve this community, and we are grateful for your support.
 
We are committed to physical distancing and to keeping everyone healthy.  Still, it goes without saying that bookstores and books are essential in their own special way, especially now with schools and libraries closed, and our children at home.
 
Books keep your spirits up and minds active!

Stay safe, stay healthy, take care of each other…. and make time to READ together!  

Please note that due to the current health situation, books purchased at this time are not returnable.”

A Whale of a Tale Children’s Bookshoppe
16277 Laguna Canyon Rd. Suite G  Irvine, Ca.
Phone: 949-854-8288
www.awhaleofatale.com

I’ve aways loved reading stories out loud and we’ve spent many wonderful hours at A Whale of a Tale Children’s Bookshoppe in Irvine. I’ll be reading a selection of great children’s books handpicked by Alex, the proprietor. Here is “What Does an Anteater Eat?” by Ross Collins.