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Review DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK

DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK
Average Ratings (from 38 ratings)
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I recognise the Dork Diaries brand
I would recommend Dork Diaries to other parents
My child is a fan of Dork Diaries
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DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK :
4.24 out of 5 based on 44 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

  • 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.

  • A funny book

    My seven year old was the next to read the DORK DIARIES: ONCE UPON A DORK. She’s usually not much of a reader but, she actually read this book cover to cover. I think the large font and the funny illustrations helped to spur her on in finishing it. Saying that, I did hear her chuckle a bit while reading this 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

  • Its really fun to read.

    We finished reading Dork Diary and I must say that I really enjoyed reading it with the kids till the very. It was fun, engaging and has a very cute storyline. A good read 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

  • My 14 year old loves this series

    From my 14 year old “by far, the best one yet! In this book, there’s one day instead of multiple days. Nikki ends up with a happy but very awkward day. I really like Nikki because we have a lot in common. I’d recommend this book to girls aged 8-14.”

    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 Do it Again!

    My kids love the Dork Diaries and have read many of the other titles in the series. For my kids, the appeal is that these are not your typical perfect story book characters. These books teach my kids, that it’s OK to be themselves and that our differences don’t make us “bad”. They really loved this book Dork Diaries: Once Upon a Dork!
    The series has a similar vibe to the popular Wimpy Kids series, they are not just a boring straight novel with page after page of words. There are cartoon style pictures and the layout is attractive for reluctant readers. The story lines are always interesting and this title was devoured by my kids (There were arguments over who would get to read it first).

    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 entertaining book

    My 13 year old daughter really enjoys reading the Dom dairy books every time a new one comes out she just has to buy it. She really enjoyed reading this new book becasue it is set in a high school and it deals with issues that teenagers deal with every day. She also likes this book becasue it is one of the only few books for her age group with picturesa and that makes it more interesting she loved it!

    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 huge hit with my 7 year old

    My 7 year old daughter and I have just finished reading this book and she absolutely loved it. ‘Epic’ in her words, and she’ll be requesting more of this series for Christmas. It did have a number of words that challenged her vocabulary, but she was engrossed in the story. At night when she read some of it in her own she was a little scared at times, but we absolutely loved this take on the wizard of oz.

    Definitely a winner in our house.

  • Great illustrations!

    Seeing as my 8 year old enjoyed this book so much, I thought I’d better read it too. The format of the book is easy and free flowing with great illustrations. It is funny however I had problems with the character being older, when must of the kids reading this will only be in the tween age bracket. Saying that, it was still enjoyable, I would recommend it but, only up to the age of about 10.

    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 it... Won't put the book down!

    Daughter loves it so much that she won’t put it down. I asked her about it for the review and she said that it is awesome. My nine year old is waiting for her to finish it so she can read it!

  • Nice story but I think it missed it's age mark.

    When my 10 year old read it, she was a little disappointed. Previously a fan of the Dork Diaries, she felt this book missed the mark. While the character is 14 years old, the story line is better suited toward an 8 year old. I’m not sure this book worked. We didn’t feel the character and the story were compatible and we don’t feel they worked together. We felt this story was more suited to an 8 year old. Sorry but it would be better if Nikki was 8-10 years old. More believable and the readers would be able to relate to her better.

    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

  • The title makes you feel this book is going to be a funny read

    A fantastic book, my children and I got a lot of laughs out of it. It brought back some fond and some not so fond memories of my awkward days in school. I really feel for Nikki and her terrible mishaps. I have just lent this book to my niece who is already enjoying it immensely.

    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

  • Captures your child from 1st page

    My DD 8 has already finished the book. Very few books for her age that captures her from the beginning. She tries to tell be the storyline but the giggles get the better of her. She has always been a very good reader but also gets bored easily… We are big fans of 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

  • Great book for the kids

    Very interesting , great for kids

  • This book is really fun to read together with the kids.

    I’ve been reading this book together with my children and we are having so much fun. We are on the bit where Nikki is in some sort of fairy tale adventure. We can’t wait to continue reading and fin out what really happened with her after the incident in her gym class.

    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

  • Think Diary of a Wimpy Kid but for girls.

    My Master 6 has been reading this book with me & we’ve both really enjoyed it. Very similar style of novel to the very popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series but aimed at girls. It’s written from the perspective of a young girl called Nikki and the ups & downs of her life. The writing style is light-hearted and funny and I think little girls aged 6-10ish will love this 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 Once Upon A Dork

    My kids and I have started reading this book and so far are really enjoying it. Its fun and entertaining. Can’t wait to see what happens next 🙂

    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

  • Hilarious, engaging and easy to read.

    My daughter just received this book in the mail yesterday and was engrossed in it this morning before school, at the expense of being ready on time. Lots of belly laughs to be had and we look forward to enjoying the whole book together this week. The tales of the main character and her antagonism towards her sister are sure to engage the imagination of any young child. I think my son will be borrowing it next.

    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

  • Dork Discovered

    My son didn’t get the first chance to read this as we had a friend over the day it arrived and she took it home to read after seeing it on the coffee table. Her mother sent me a message that night saying she was bargaining how many more minutes the light could stay on to keep reading Dork Diaries. Two afternoons later, Miss 7 came back over to return the book and couldn’t stop tell us all about it. She actually inspired Mr 7 to start reading ‘a girl’s book’. I managed to smuggle it out of his room and read it while he was out. As a parent, I think it’s a great book for kids, especially a girl. It deals with issues important to children and the illustrations keep it interesting and fun. I will be sourcing another edition for Miss 7’s Christmas gift. Well done Rachel Renee Russell on a great character and series.

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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.

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  • 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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