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Review DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK

DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK
Average Ratings (from 37 ratings)
Overall star Rating
I recognise the Dork Diaries brand
I would recommend Dork Diaries to other parents
My child is a fan of Dork Diaries
My child enjoyed reading this
DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK :
4.25 out of 5 based on 43 reviews.
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DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK

by Rachel Renée Russell

With her internationally best-selling series, Rachel Renée Russell has created for girls what Jeff Kinney did for boys with The Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Nikki Maxwell, Queen of the Dorks, is back in a brand new instalment of the internationally bestselling series, now with 13 million copies in print worldwide.

After a bump on the head, Nikki has a wild dream in which she, her BFF’s Chloe and Zoey, her crush Brandon, and mean girl Mackenzie all end up playing the roles of some familiar classic fairy tale characters.

Will Nikki’s dream turn into a nightmare?

Find out more about DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK here.

Available as eBook or paperback from your prefered book retailer.

Paperback RRP $16.99, eBook RRP $10.99

Published 19th October 2014

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  • Great book!

    My 9 year old daughter got this book for her birthday and she absolutely loved it. It was read within a week, she loved it that much! Reading is very important, so as a mum The Dork Diaries is a great series of books, that also makes reading lots of fun. I highly recommend The Dork Diaries.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • This book is a winner!

    My daughter and I knew of the Dork Diaries but, had never read one before. Miss Eight started reading right away and didn’t want want to put the book down. I got told that yes she was enjoying the book, it was great and could I please stop interrupting so she could keep reading! I’d say this book is a winner!

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • The newest Dork Diaries book is a big hit with my 11yr old!!

    This book just turned up an hour ago and I think the photo says it all about how excited my 11 year old daughter is to have the NEWEST Dork Diaries book in her hot little hands!

    She hasn’t put the book down since I handed it over, is almost half way through and this is what she has to say about it…

    “It’s really interesting and well written with EPIC pictures and a really good storyline and overall so far it’s AMAZING!”.

    Definitely a winner!!

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Dork diaries party time

    My 10 year will quite happily sit and have a read on her own. She loves this time to herself. I originally bought the book as a joke as she can be dorky sometimes but she fell in love. This is the start of her next book collection. All I can say is I am happy for her to read and she enjoys these books.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • sounds awesome and looks great

    sounds awesome and looks great

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Now wants to read the series!

    Since reading DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK by Rachel Renée Russell my eight year old is a mission to read the whole series. I think what appeals to her is the what that it is written, being journal entries, the large print and the funny illustrations. She has re-read this book a few times now however, I still hear her chuckling to herself as she reads.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Fascinating Interesting Funny Read

    Kept my children quiet for ages and they also love discussing the diary with their school friends on Kik and Instagram.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • A big thumbs up

    Miss Eight recognised the brand of Dork Diaries from school but had never actually read any of the books in the series until now. She enjoyed reading DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK so much that she download all the other books extracts to read. Miss Eight rated this book a 4.5 out of 5 saying that is was funny and dramatic, giving it a big thumbs up.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Recommended reading!

    My 8 year old daughter loved this book. She read it cover to cover, in one sitting. She rated it a 10/10, saying it was hilarious and really enjoyed the pictures. Miss 8 is now very keen to read the rest of the Dork Diary series. I’d highly recommend this book to other parents with kids of a similar age.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • This is the best book I have ever read!

    This book is so good! My head has been stuck in it since it arrived!!
    I love the pictures throughout the book especially the one on page 99.

    It’s like reading someones real private diary .. It could be mine …I can see my group of friends in the characters through the book.

    I have recommended all my friends read it ..It really is a great book!

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • All part of my daughters reading journey

    My daughter has got a whole collection of these and they have kept her entertained and intrigued for hours at a time. The style is fun and engaging and great for inspiring creativity. She shares her collection with friends and loves to see what new ones are coming out. These have an aspect of “comic style” and she especially enjoys this. These are highly recommend and a keeper .

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Dorks rule

    My niece loves the Dork Diaries. It is like reading a diary, and quite different from the usual books they read. It’s funny and is great as it encourages kids to read. There is a whole series of dork books for them to enjoy. Be a great Christmas gift fo her.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Good overall!

    A good overall read for the kids. I personally don’t think the word dork is necessary as so many children get bullied and called dorks. The kids tend to love books from this brand and series though and reading is important so it wins for me. There’s a few like this in the Xmas stocking for this year and going to give some to my nephews and cousin. Thanks Mouths of mums for posting options for reviews to make decisions easier

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • It's a winner.

    Well judging by the group of girls all huddled around in a circle giggling and laughing and reading out their favourite section then having a huge discussion about the book, I would say it’s a winner. I must admit I do not like the giving of children or groups names like dork, nerds or academics etc but if a book can get children reading and loving it I’m all for it. The girls loved the fact that they felt like they had stumbled onto someone’s private diary and was secretly reading it also the fact that it was that well written it could well have been there life and diary. They thought the book was more suited to the age bracket of 8-10 maybe 11 and they rated it a 4.5 out of 5.
    Dorktastic.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • A winning format

    DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK was the first book from the Dork Dairies series that my daughter read. From there she had gone on to read the whole series.
    Overall, I think it is the way the Dork Daires are written and presented that make it a hit with independent readers.
    The font is large, the writing format used is dairy entries, making the book easy to put down or pick up as required, and there are lots of illustrations.
    For parents with tween girls in particular, who are wanting to get their kids to read more,
    DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK is a good start.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Daughters long time favourite

    My daughter loves the Dork Diaries. They are always requested for her birthday or Christmas. As I love reading myself I like to see the enjoyment my daughter gets from reading the Dork Diaries collection and way she is always eager to tell me what it entails. I always encourage her love of reading as I think it is very important.

  • A great read

    My eldest daughter has loved reading DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK. My youngest is now an independent reader and has started reading this book.
    For parents wanting to encourage their daughters reading the dork diaries are a wondeful place to start.
    Since reviewing DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK, I am much more familiar with the brand and Miss Nine has read the whole series.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Dork diaries party time

    My 10 year will quite happily sit and have a read on her own. She loves this time to herself. I originally bought the book as a joke as she can be dorky sometimes but she fell in love. This is the start of her next book collection. All I can say is I am happy for her to read and she enjoys these books.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Amusing story!

    My two girls have both read this book and have enjoyed immensely.
    You know it must be funny when you hear them chuckling out loud.
    The text is large and easily read and it is written in a diary entry format so it is easy to stop and start without losing your place.
    The illustrations also add to the story, usually being very amusing.
    Since reading DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK my girls have gone on to read more books from the series.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • My daughter loves these books

    My 8 year old daughter is an avid reader, and the dork diaries series are books she could not put down and has read over and over. She says they are very funny. My 7 year old daughter who is not quite as confindant a reader as her sister has also loved reading these books. Great books for all ages, Mum might just have to read them too and see what all the fuss is about!

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Great book!

    My 9 year old daughter got this book for her birthday and she absolutely loved it. It was read within a week, she loved it that much! Reading is very important, so as a mum The Dork Diaries is a great series of books, that also makes reading lots of fun. I highly recommend The Dork Diaries.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Has now read most of the series!

    My daughter and I had heard of the Dork Diaries before reviewing this book but, had never read one before. She has now read must of the series.
    Whenever Miss (now) nine gets hold of a dork diaries book, she starts reading right away and wants to read it cover to cover in one sitting.
    The dork diaries is most definitely one of her favourite series to read and often looks for other titles when at our local library,

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • sounds awesome and looks great

    sounds awesome and looks great

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Great book

    Id highly recommend these for parents to give to kids

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Dork Diaries

    I applied to review books for Mom’s and was overjoyed to be chosen to review the book ‘YOU’. ‘Dork Diaries’ was also on the list. I have read the reviews for ‘Dork Diaries’ and it seems the book is a brilliant read. I have decided to get the book for the kids.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Now wants to read the series!

    Since reading DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK by Rachel Renée Russell my eight year old is a mission to read the whole series. I think what appeals to her is the what that it is written, being journal entries, the large print and the funny illustrations. She has re-read this book a few times now however, I still hear her chuckling to herself as she reads.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Fascinating Interesting Funny Read

    Kept my children quiet for ages and they also love discussing the diary with their school friends on Kik and Instagram.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • Well Loved

    Child one got this for Christmas after reading the reviews. Miss 13 said she was too old for it but was very happy to sit down and read it. Saying afterwards that it was the best one she has read in the series.
    Master 11 loved this as again it shows him that it is ok to be him and that it is fine not to be like everyone else
    Master 7 loves them and they are so easy to follow for him and he finds that he gets a lot out of them.
    Love the fact I can get one series off books that 3 totally different children love to read

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • A big thumbs up

    Miss Eight recognised the brand of Dork Diaries from school but had never actually read any of the books in the series until now. She enjoyed reading DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK so much that she download all the other books extracts to read. Miss Eight rated this book a 4.5 out of 5 saying that is was funny and dramatic, giving it a big thumbs up.

    I recognise the Dork
    Diaries brand
    I would recommend
    Dork Diaries to
    other parents
    My child is a fan of
    Dork Diaries
    My child enjoyed
    reading this

  • I love Rachel Renee Russell Books

    I loved this book as much as I loved the Diaries of a Wimpy Kid Series. I find Rachels writing style quirky and fun to read. Her stories are easy for kids to understand and relate to. Her style of writing is very easily read and understood by my kids and they just love to read her funny stories.

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Article Buon Appetito! A Busy Mum’s Guide To Memorable, Simple Summer Entertaining

Buon Appetito! A Busy Mum’s Guide To Memorable, Simple Summer Entertaining

I fondly remember slow, summer afternoons with family and friends gathered around a table of delicious finger-food during my childhood – the adults chatting and laughing, the kids pretending they understood the jokes. My parents had continued their Mediterranean traditions long after settling in Australia – and the simple joy of an effortlessly elegant gathering was one of my favourites.

What I don’t remember is my parents ever being stressed about the gatherings. It all just seemed to ‘come together’. Ah, how times have changed!

There’s something about the Italian style of entertaining that’s still so alluring in our fast-paced family lives. The idea of La Dolce Vita: a sweet life surrounded by family, friends, food and minimal fuss. Which is why we’ve enlisted the help of the entertaining experts at Sandhurst to share easy tips for elegant, memorable summer get-togethers.

We also asked our community of mums to share their tried and true, easy summer entertaining ideas, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Euro-Inspired Entertaining

Sandhurst

Before we dive into the delicious world of sumptuous, simple summer entertaining, it helps to know a little about the inspiration behind our guide. And that’s the concept of Italian entertaining – where time is taken to lovingly grow ingredients, before enjoying them with those you love.

Established in 1988, Sandhurst was born from the time-honoured traditions of generations of the family behind the brand – a proud Italian Australian family passionate about quality produce sourced from world’s best growers.

At the helm of Sandhurst are brothers Mimmo and Ray Lubrano, who live and breathe the impeccable ingredients that become the centrepiece of so many gatherings in Australian family homes.

“Tradition is what we stand for. We’re custodians of Italian values,” explained Mimmo. “When we go to Italy we see it in our grandparents, our parents came from Italy in the 50s. The tradition is a set of values: honesty, teamwork, participation, family – all the things you would associate with Italian family are the values.”

And it’s these beautiful values that make summer gatherings in Australia an extension of the European table.

Easy Summer Entertaining Starts With … Time Saving Secrets!

Sandhurst

A sweet summer of entertaining doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, it shouldn’t be. It’s a chance to spend time with loved ones. To press pause on life and make memories. And it can be simple! So here are some really easy tips for making your home the place where everyone wants to gather this summer.

Create An Entertaining Kit

Whether it’s pre-planned or you’ve had friends or family drop-in, having a few things ready to go immediately melts away any stress. Here are some things to include in a summer entertaining kit:

  • A red table cloth: It instantly says festive!
  • Some platters and serving dishes
  • Candles
  • Some quality antipasto ingredients that simply need to be decanted and enjoyed!

Many Hands Make Light Work

As mums, we tend to be our own worst enemy when it comes to delegating tasks. But remember, a summer of entertaining is about creating memories – not perfection. So let the kids help, and accept offers from your guests who’d like to bring something along to share.

“It can be overwhelming, so just delegate, and prepare. I do one dish prep per day and pop them in the freezer. Then they just need to be heated up. Let the kids do the decorating for you – plus keeps them busy!” – MoM Member Kirsty

Decorate With Happiness

There’s no need to pull out your finest crystal to pull off an elegant get together. Take a look around your home and garden to see what will bring your table to life. A bowl of lemons is a gorgeous addition, as is a bunch of gum leaves. Keep it simple and understated.

Sandhurst

Finger Food For The Win

Nothing says simple summer elegance more than a charcuterie board (or three!). When my friends and our families get together, it’s our go-to – every family is asked to ‘bring a board’. Some do savoury and some sweet, so we’re covered for a long afternoon of catching up.

“Food wise, I keep it simple by doing cold deli meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and veggies.” – MoM Member

But just because boards are easy to put together, doesn’t mean they can’t ooze elegance. And that comes down to including quality ingredients. Choosing Sandhurst products is the easiest way to guarantee the highest quality ends up on your table. We love the premise behind the brand: from our family to yours – it invokes that nostalgic feeling of shared stories, history, gatherings and family.

How To Put Together A Charcuterie Board 

Sandhurst article image

There are no right or wrong ways to create a charcuterie board, but to ensure a balance of textures and flavours try to include:

La Dolce Vita!

A summer of sophisticated entertaining doesn’t have to be hours and hours of work. We don’t want it to be! By grabbing some beautiful ingredients to fill your pantry next time you’re shopping, you’ll know that at a moment’s notice you’ll have everything you need for a Euro-inspired gathering. No fuss, but plenty of substance and style!

Sandhurst

Ready to host your own summer gathering? Choose Sandhurst’s quality produce and look for the red lid.

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Sandhurst to bring you this article.

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.

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  • Great ideas for entertaining guests and love that brand I buy it all the time

    Reply

  • i buy this for family they love the brand and the taste of sandhurst and the different flavors and range to choose from and i find it great value for money, i re-use the jars when im done with for small items in the house.

    Reply

  • I have been a purchaser of Sandhurst goods ever since they first appeared on supermarket shelves and still buy it to this day. The Sandhurst brand is the best without a doubt. This year I have not been able to find the Sandhurst cheese stuffed baby capsicums anywhere. I have tried to get on the Sandhurst site, but no luck with what they make. Help – these are such a wonderful addition to a salad.

    Reply

  • Fantastic Article

    Reply

  • I Love a good charcuterie board. I Love all the different options all on the one board. I love to do a chocolate board when we have guests over, it’s a fun way to do dessert after dinner. The kids love seeing everything layed out so they can pick and choose.

    Reply

  • This is great for the grandchildren they love them as they use them as finger food and make up their own meal and use plenty of ingredients including meat and cheese on the dips and crackers. We keep it simple with the Sandhurst’s products as it is a meal in every jar and the kids love them.

    Reply

  • This looks like the perfect relaxed way to have a picnic! I am loving the idea of this! Just bring along lots of fillings and plenty of cheeses and breads and of course a little alcohol and you’re all set. This sounds like the perfect way to catch up with friends!

    Reply

  • I hate being taken to a third party page to enter comps.

    Reply

  • Certainly most welcome for summer, and would be wonderful for the festive season. I can see this platter on the table Christmas Eve, when we get together with our neighbours.

    Reply

  • Love the look of the olive on creamy fetta

    Reply

  • This is timely and helpful, thanks – I aspire to entertain more and tips to make it less stressful are very welcome.

    Reply

  • Charcuterie boards are the absolute best! We do these so often in the warmer months because there’s something for the whole family. People pick and choose what they like and there’s no complaints because there’s so many different options to choose from, everyone is happy. It’s such a simple stressful way to make dinner.

    Reply

  • I absolutely adore finger food and this style of feeding people when we have family and friends at our home; or when we go out for a picnic, bbq or get together. These types of food are so easy to source and to buy and to prepare and to happily eat.

    • Yes I agree, finger foods are easy and yummie ! And you can assemble a healthy enough plate (certainly when you add salads, cheeses, nuts, fruits, boiled eggs, olives and rustic breads) that it can certainly can replace a meal (either lunch or dinner). Everyone happy and no hours of preparation in the kitchen :)

      • Also; the other bonus is less mess to clean up when cutlery is not needed. Finger food is the best for laid back and relaxed get togethers. There is always such a clam and relaxed feel to a finger food meal without the need for any fancy and stuffy table settings.

    Reply

  • The simplest way to entertain.

    Reply

  • I love the looks of different finger foods. I don’t think it is hard to put something together and I had many afternoons hanging out with many mums and all the children at the Cul the sac we then lived. At times I had 8 mums coming with over 40 kids. Many sweet memories indeed

    Reply

  • Love the visuals of the chatcuterie board

    Reply

  • Looking forward to summer catch ups! Its always the best time to just chill

    Reply

  • I love the go to guide for how to arrange a board! Mine never look aesthetic so I am going to try this!

    Reply

  • Charcuterie Boards and Antipasto boards are so good. I love them, i love the variety of foods you can put on them and they are so great for entertaining and enjoying with family or friends. It is something i like to make whenever i have friends over as you can enjoy and pick away while you are catching up. Great entertaining option.

    Reply

  • I absolutely adore an antipasto spread. There’s nothing better than having a colourful plate of charcuterie and antipasto shared with loved ones. I grew up with my Mum making the most lush, long table of nibblies on celebrations and it’s something that my siblings and I carry on today. It brings us all together.

    Reply
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