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| Book Reviews - Schools |
Current book reviews for this category are shown below.
You may add your own review if you wish. |
| Irish Famine Workhouse |
Pat Hegarty
£7.99, Gill & Macmillan
This is the story of a family and how they survived the Irish Famine. Told through the eyes of 9 year old Declan, we see the failure of the potato crop in 1845 and the family’s attempts to survive on the land. After a second crop failure, the family is evicted and makes its way on foot to Dublin during the coldest winter in memory. Eventually, the family is forced to seek refuge in the workhouse and we experience the squalor of day to day life there for both the adults and children. Somehow the family survives and sets sail for a new life in America, leaving Declan in Dublin with his new apprenticeship.
Through flaps, pop-up diorama and vivid illustrations, the reality of the Irish faminea is brought to life for children and a great follow-up to the bestselling 'Life on a Famine Ship'.
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| Sterling Biographies: Pocahontas |
Victoria Garrett Jones
£4.99, Sterling
The tale of the Powhatan princess from the Virginia woodlands is one of the best known and most loved in American history. While myth and legend have clouded some of the details, time has not diminished her bravery, selflessness, and commitment to peace. Nearly four centuries after her death, Pocahontas remains an inspiration and her story will captivate every young reader.
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| Sterling Biographies: Tecumseh |
Dwight Jon Zimmerman
£4.99, Sterling
To white authorities in the newly independent United States, Tecumseh seemed like a different type of chief: defiant and determined to protect Indian rights. Not even the power of the government awed this fearless Shawnee leader. Young readers will be fascinated by the life story of this great warrior and orator who tried to unite all the tribes in a single, powerful confederacy.
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| Sterling Biographies: Chief Joseph |
Lorraine Jean Hopping
£4.99, Sterling
Chief Joseph was a peace chief, a great leader who truly believed his nation, the Nez Perce, could live in harmony with white people. Tragically, it was not to be. This fascinating biography separates fact from myth, and tells the compelling story of a man who tried to fight injustice with words, not weapons. |
| Sterling Biographies: Sacagawea |
Emma Carlson Berne
£4.99, Sterling
While travelling with the Corps of Discovery across Americas then-uncharted West, Sacagawea - with a baby strapped to her back - endured unimaginable dangers. We know little about her thoughts and feelings, since she left no records of her own, but without her, Lewis and Clark certainly could never have succeeded. Emma Carlson Berne separates truth from legend and offers some ideas on what eventually happened to this strong and fascinating woman. |
| Sterling Biographies: Geronimo |
George Sullivan
£4.99, Sterling
No gun can ever kill you. Those are the magical words Geronimo heard whispered in the air, that he believed true. Although his name is often linked with violence and even savagery, Geronimos early life was actually peaceful. What transformed him into one of the most renowned warriors in the Apache nation, a man whom the U.S. government wished captured or killed at any cost? This gripping biography captures the often-tragic experiences that defined the life of this fearless leader. |
| Sterling Biographies: Sitting Bull |
George Edward Stanley
£4.99, Sterling
Sitting Bull lived and died for his people, the Sioux of the Great Plains. Renowned author George Edward Stanley traces Sitting Bulls lifelong fight for justice and struggle to retain his tribes ancestral lands, as well as the battle at Little Bighorn and the terrible massacre at Wounded Knee that occurred in the wake of his death. |
| All-Action Classics No. 3: The Odyssey |
Tim Mucci
£5.99, Sterling
Part of the fabulously received and brilliantly created All-Action Classics series. The brainchild of former Marvel Comics artist Ben Caldwell, these graphic novels are the freshest, coolest approach to the classics ever. Each one takes a famous work of fiction and translates it into a child-friendly comic book narrative - with full-colour illustrations and a fast-paced tone that will have even reluctant readers flying through.
Shipwrecks, angry gods, magical lands, beautiful nymphs and siren songs: this vivid retelling of Homers legendary Greek epic follows Odysseus on his long, arduous journey home from Ithaca after the fall of Troy. Done in comic-book style, it features the highest-energy kid-grabbing details and plot twists, all dramatised in brilliant, action-packed images. Its the perfect way to introduce kids and fans of graphic novels to one of literatures great works! |
| Exploring Visual Arts |
Agnes Russell
€22.95, Prim-Ed Publishing
Exploring Visual Arts is an attractive series providing a range of tried-and-tested art lessons including drawing, painting, collage, and printmaking activities.
With easy-to-follow teacher instructions providing information on lesson duration, materials needed, step-by-step instructions and evaluation suggestions.
Each art project has an example photograph of a completed project - in both the book and on the CD. There are also photocopiable activity cards (for early finishers/homework), templates, reward medals and assessment sheets included.
Further information can be found on www.prim-ed.com |
| Handwriting Today |
Helen Woods
€5.95, Prim-Ed Publishing
Handwriting Today is a comprehensive cursive handwriting programme for Irish students.
This series removes the need for teaching a pre-cursive letter formation. It introduces individual letters at Book A level, that have the identical shape and form of those used at later stages when joining letters and creating words
Starts with a cursive font and builds to joins and words quickly.
Uses a flowing cursive font that combines the best of traditional and contemporary fonts to create an easy-to-write and easy-on-the-eye writing style. Students find this an easy beginning.
Focuses on the flow of letters and text and avoids a start-stop writing style which in turn leads to illegible writing in later years. A smooth flowing style is the result of using Handwriting Today.
Makes it easy for young children to build their skills, as in the early stages all lower case letters share the same starting point. Handwriting Today is available from Book A to Book D:-
Book A - Letters are introduced in Book A where young writers practise word shapes and formations before moving to joins in the following year
Book B - Looks at creating joins and practising various letter combinations leading to the writing of words
Book C - Builds on joins, combining multiple joins into words, groups of words and sentences
Book D - Provides opportunity for children to practise their writing in context of every day usage and cross-curricula themes. Providing for letter and join revision as appropriate.
What will the teacher get with Handwriting Today?
Over 72 activity pages in each level
Regular revision and consolidation
A teacher assessment framework
This programme provides a developmental approach to handwriting
A diversity of resources that allows for individual attention to student progress and a comprehensive approach to differentiation of the class handwriting programme
A comprehensive teachers guide, a demonstration CD and handwriting software
Prim-Ed Publishing also offer free downloads of Teachers Guides and interactive samples of this writing series at www.prim-ed.com |
| It's Called Dyslexia |
Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
£9.99, O'Brien Press
Whoever said that learning to read and write is easy?
Sarah is unhappy and she no longer enjoys school. When learning to read and write, she tries to remember which way the letters go but she often gets them all mixed up.
After she discovers that dyslexia is the reason for her trouble, she begins to understand that with extra practice and help from others, she will begin to read and write correctly. At the same time, she also discovers a hidden talent she never knew existed!
The "Live and Learn" series take a child's point of view - and especially the view of children who either suffer from some physical challenge or lack self-confidence in going about their everyday activities. These attractively illustrated picture storybooks encourage kids never to be afraid of a challenge. Following each story are four pages of suggested activities that relate to the book's theme. A final two-page section offers advice to parents. |
| Carol Vorderman's Maths Dictionary |
Carol Vorderman
£8.99, Dorling Kindersley
Does your child find maths tricky? Are they stuck on their square roots or puzzled by prime numbers? Help is at instant hand with Carol Vorderman's essential maths explainer.
It's packed with hundreds of mathematical entries covering words, phrases, shapes, measurements, concepts, calculations and much more, making everything easy to understand.
Perfect for children of all ages up to the start of secondary or second level school (and for mums and dads who need a hand in helping out with maths homework!)
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| Carol Vorderman's Times Tables Book |
Carol Vorderman
£5.99, Dorling Kindersley
If your child finds times tables a little testing then here's the answer: straightforward, easy-to-follow tips, hints and advice from Carol Vorderman that will help them remember their tables for ever.
There are fun illustrations, shortcuts, clever ways to make some of the harder times tables simpler to learn (and even some harmless cheats that their teacher will approve of!).
It's easy to remember words when they're put to a tune. To help you learn your times tables, we've put together some times tables songs.
The songs repeat each times table five times. Try to join in with singing the times tables as soon as you can. You can play a game by trying to call out the answers before they're sung. If you like, you can dance to the music too!
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| Children of The Famine: Under the Hawthorn Tree |
Marita Conlon-McKenna
€7.95, O'Brien
The first book in the famine trilogy.
The Great Irish Famine brilliantly recreated through the story of three young survivors.
Ireland in the 1840s is devastated by famine. When tragedy strikes their family Eily, Michael and Peggy are left to fend for themselves. Starving and in danger of ending up in the dreaded workhouse, they escape. Their one hope is to find the great-aunts they have heard about in their mother's stories.
With tremendous courage they set out on a journey that will test every reserve of strength, love and loyalty they possess.
Suitable for aged 10 years and over - study guide also available - reissued with cover by PJ Lynch.
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| Children of The Famine: Wildflower Girl |
Marita Conlon-McKenna
€7.95, O'Brien
The second book in the famine trilogy.
At seven, Peggy made a terrifying journey through famine-stricken Ireland. Now thirteen, and determined to make a new life for herself, she sets off alone across the Atlantic to America. Will she ever see her family again?
An extraordinary story of courage, independence and adventure.
Suitable for aged 10 years and over - study guide also available - reissued with cover by PJ Lynch.
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| Children of the Famine: Fields of Home |
Marita Conlon-McKenna
€7.95, O'Brien
The final book in the famine trilogy
For Eily, Michael and Peggy the memory of the famine is still strong. But Mary-Brigid, Eily's first child, has the future to look forward to. What kind of future is it?
Ireland is in turmoil, with evictions, burnings, secret meetings, fights over land. Eily and her family may be thrown off their farm. Michael may lose his job in the big house. And Peggy, in America, feels trapped in her role as a maid. Will they ever have land and a home they can call their own? Eily, Michael and Peggy have once shown great courage. Now this courage is called on again …
Suitable for aged 10 years and over - study guide also available - reissued with cover by PJ Lynch.
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| Ancient Rome |
DK Eyewonder
£4.99, Dorling Kindersley
From gladiators and giant baths to foreign wars and fabulous palaces, let your child discover what the Roman world was like for both its citizens and slaves.
Fantastic facts and dramatic photographs bring Ancient Rome to life and will inspire your child with a love of learning and discovery. Brilliant for homework and school projects, or just for fun - for seven to nine year olds.
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| Hairy-Scary Monster: Read at Home: Level 5A |
Cynthia Rider
£2.99, Oxford
A hairy-scary monster is preventing Kipper from going to sleep - but does it really exist? Suitable for children starting to read with confidence, or parents who want to help support their children's reading.
Read at Home is a new series designed for young, beginner readers. It features all the popular Oxford Reading Tree characters in 18 exciting stories specially written for parents to support their children's reading at home. These entertaining stories, with real life and fantasy adventures, are now carefully graded across 5 levels, and contain vocabulary repetition and gradual progression within each level, from Book A to Book C.
Hairy-Scary Monster, based on the Boy who cried Wolf story, is Level 5a for children Reading with Confidence - those children who can recognize 75+ words by signt, can read with less support and who can read silently and read ahead. The story has 4-6 sentences per page.
Approx ORT level: Stage 6-7
Other titles in the series:
5B: The Lost Voice
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| Dragon Bay: Book 4A - Read Write Inc. Home Phonics |
Ruth Miskin
£2.99, Oxford
An exciting story, written using the Read Write Inc Phonics method, for children to practise decoding words and reading through phonics. Suitalbe for parents of children aged between three and five years who are learning to read, or parents of older children who are struggling readers.
The Read Write Inc. Phonics storybooks provide structured practice for children in decoding words and reading through phonics. Each set of books is carefully graded so children can read them with confidence.
Read Write Inc. Phonics storybooks help parents support their child by:
· Using Ruth Miskin's successful tried-and-tested phonic methodology for reading success
· Offering practical and effective advice in guiding their child through every story
· Building confidence using fun and engaging stories with opportunities for talk and praise throughout
The structured phonic story in Book 4B is written for parents to plan one-a-night achievable reading sessions with their child - great for busy parents!
Reading steps for success:
· Practise reading the Speed Sounds before each story
· Read the Red and Green words before each story
· Read the story to decode every word
· Re-read the story to reinforce meaning
· Re-read the story for fluency
This book is illustrated by Tim Archbold, who uses a style that has been likened to Quentin Blake's, which children love.
It is recommended that parents use the RWI Phonics Speed Sound Flashcards Set 1 and Sets 2 and 3 to practise before and alongside children reading any of the RWI storybooks.
RWI Level in Schools: Although these books have been created for the home market, they have been written to Pink Level of the RWI school books.
The creator, Ruth Miskin, is currently involved in a series of nationwide training programmes for primary schools, commissioned by the UK government's Department for Education and Skills. In 2007, Channel 4 ran a series of programmes showing the RWI method being used in schools. Ruth Miskin is becoming a well-known name both in school and at home.
Other titles in the series:
4B: Greedy Tiger
4C: High on a Hill
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| Scuab Fiacal Danny |
Brianóg Brady Dawson
€5.95, O'Brien
Is fuath le Danny de Brún a chuid fiacla a ghlanadh.
Cad a dhéanfaidh Danny, mar sin, nuair a thugann Mamó scuab fiacal nua, bhuí dó?
Danny has some very original ideas about disposing of his bright, new, HATED toothbrush!
SOS 16 Red Flag for readers aged eight years plus. In Irish |
| The Baby Giant - PANDA LEGENDS 4 |
Oisin McGann
€5.99, O'Brien
Giants are huge, right? Well, this one is a bit different.This Irish Giant looks like a big baby!
Will the Scottish Giant eat him for breakfast?
A humorous retelling of a favourite Finn McCool legend. Part of a fantastic NEW SERIES retelling traditional
tales and legends in the simple and easy to read style of the PANDAS. Read the other books in this series:
The Riddle, Finn’s Thumb and The Henny Penny Tree |
| My Secret War Diary |
Flossie Albright
£12.99, Walker Boks
A fascinating diary account of the Second World War, as seen through the eyes of a young girl.
Flossie is just nine years old when, in 1939, Britain declares war on Germany and her father leaves the family home to join the army. Flossie is left to bring up her baby brother and to face a whole host of new experiences on her own. Her diary becomes an outlet for relaying all the news from at home and abroad. From the first evacuees arriving to her sweetheart being killed in Normandy in 1944, Flossie has to endure much hardship. But her own special blend of courage, humour and fighting spirit see her through to the Armistice, when she can welcome her dad home at last.
Suitable for children aged seven years and older.
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| Oscar and the Snail - A Book About Things That We Use |
Geoff Waring
£7.99, Walker Books
A lively introduction to the Key Stage 1 Science topic of materials and their properties.
Oscar is a curious kitten and when he finds a nest in the garden made of twigs and moss, he is full of questions about the things that we use. Luckily, Snail is nearby and together they discuss why we choose different materials to do different jobs, where materials come from and the different properties they have.
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| Oscar and the Bird - A Book About Electricity |
Geoff Waring
£7.99, Walker Books
A lively introduction to the Key Stage 1 science topic of electricity.
Oscar is a curious kitten and when he finds a tractor in a field and accidentally sets the windscreen wiper going, he is full of questions about electricity. Luckily Bird is nearby and together they discuss switches, wires, batteries, circuits, power and safety.
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| Hang A Thousand Trees With Ribbons |
Ann Rinaldi
£5.99, Walker Books
The intriguing and moving story of a young girl kidnapped from her home in Senegal and sold, in 1761, as a slave to the wealthy Wheatley family of Boston. Phillis Wheatley - as she comes to be known - has a keen intelligence and a knack for learning. When the family discover her gift for writing poetry, they begin to mould her future by having her ''perform'' for influential guests. Eventually she is sent to England, where her work is finally published - the first book of poetry by an African American woman. However, all the trappings of success do nothing to change the fact that she is still a slave.
A moving historical novel based on the story of Phillis Wheatley - the first African American female poet - for readers aged 14 years and over. |
| Danny's Crazy Christmas |
Brianóg Brady Dawson
€5.95, O'Brien Press
Danny must get ready for Santa – all by himself!
He must get carrots for Rudolf. He must clean the chimney! He must make space under the tree for his BIG gift from Santa.
Danny decides to dispose of some unwanted presents in order to make room for more of his own, with hilarious consequences …
Panda 37 Purple Flag; For readers aged 5 years plus. |
| 17 Martin Street |
Marilyn Taylor
€9.99, O'Brien Press
When Hetty’s family move to Martin Street near Portobello bridge in Dublin, they’re not sure of their welcome. And next door, Ben’s family are not sure about their new Jewish neighbours: it’s The Emergency and they are suspicious of strangers.
But for Ben, the chance to earn a few pence is too great and secretly he does odd jobs for them. And there’s a bigger secret: Renata, a World War Two refugee, is on the run in the city. Hetty is determined to rescue her.
The web of secrets begins to unravel and there are lives at risk. Can Hetty and Ben overcome their differences and save Renata, or are they just meddling in things they know too little about?
A dramatic wartime story of prejudice, friendship, loss and courage, based on true events and lots of detail about Ireland during the World War II period. This book is a compelling story full of suspense, with engaging and very real characters, for readers aged 10 years plus who enjoy historical novels. |
| Little Witch Who Can't Spell, The |
Marie Burlington
€5.95, O'Brien Press
O'Brien Flyers: Yellow Flag - for readers six years and over.
Little Willow Witch can’t spell. Her magic spells are all mixed up. Then she finds a wand, a powerful wizard’s wand.
‘Oh no!’ meows Spooky her cat, as he runs for cover.
Little Witch and a powerful wizard’s wand spell only one thing and that’s … T-R-O-U-B-L-E!
And Spooky is right.
A funny and action-packed story with amusing and clever illustrations throughout, for confiden readers who can take on the challenge of a longer story.
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| Where's Murphy? |
Anna Donovan
€5.95, O'Brien Press
Panda 36: Purple Flag - for readers five years and over.
Murphy is Rory’s best friend. Every day they play together. But one day Rory cannot find Murphy.
Mam and Dad and Rory search everywhere. Then a phonecall comes: has someone found Rory’s best friend?
A heart-warming story in a domestic setting which children can relate to, with large print and simple funny text.
PANDAS support material available from www.obrien.ie/schools
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| Molly's Night Out |
Una Leavy
€5.99, O'Brien Press
O'Brien Panda Cubs 8: Orange Flag - for four years and over.
Molly cannot sleep.
It is too dark and too quiet.
And there are monsters!
What can Nanna and Grandad do?
Expertly designed specifically for very young children, perfect as a lead-up to the Panda series, for beginner readers or those just starting to learn English.
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| Hal's Sleepover |
Maddie Stewart
€5.99, O'Brien Press
O'Brien Panda Cubs 7: Orange Flag - for four years and over.
Poor Hal.
He wants to go to the sleepover party.
But he’s too small.
What can he do?
Granny has the answer!
A simple story for beginner readers or students just starting to learn English, perfect as a lead-up to the Panda series, from the author of Cinders and Bertie Rooster. |
| Henny Penny Tree, The |
Siobhán Parkinson
€5.99, O'Brien Press
A new tale in a traditional style!
Great Uncle Fergus gives a gold coin, a silver coin and a copper coin to his three nieces, Tall One, Middling and Littlest.
Now, you can buy lots of lovely things with gold and silver, but what can the Littlest girl do with her copper coin?
Why did she get stuck with that one?
Large print and uncomplicated text with illustrations on every page make this ideal for beginner readers.
Purple Flag reader for ages five years plus. |
| The Riddle |
Felicity Hayes-Coy
€5.99, O'Brien Press
A new version of a Goban Saor story.
The Gobán Saor is the best craftsman in the whole world. But he is in big trouble.
He must use his secret weapon: a special riddle.
Will it save him from the King of Greece?
Large print and uncomplicated text with illustrations on every page make this ideal for beginner readers.
Purple Flag reader for ages five years plus.
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| Finn's Thumb |
Felicity Hayes-McCoy
€5.99, O'Brien Press
A new version of The Salmon Of Knowledge.
Why is Finn’s thumb special? When Finn needs to know something all he has to do is bite hard on his thumb!
How did Finn come to have such a special thumb?
Large print and uncomplicated text with illustrations on every page make this ideal for beginner readers.
Purple Flag reader for ages five years plus.
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| Something Beginning with P |
New Poems from Irish Poets by Seamus Cashman
€14.99, O'Brien Press
Now available in paperback at just under 15 euros for the very first time – this spectacular and highly acclaimed collection of specially commissioned new poems for children is already an established bestseller.
Featuring work by 103 leading Irish poets, this beautifully illustrated anthology is a book for the entire family to treasure - and reccomended for every primary classroom!
With stunning illustrayions, this magnificent anthology includes poems from: Seamus Heaney, Thomas Kinsella, Máighréad Medbh * Paula Meehan * Brendan Kennelly * Michael Longley * Rita Ann Higgins * Matthew Sweeney * Biddy Jenkinson * Desmond O'Grady * Richard Murphy * Nuala ní Dhomhnaill * Celia de Fréine * Cathal Ó Searcaigh * Frank McGuinness * Julie O'Callaghan * Tom McIntyre * Paul Muldoon * Dermot Bolger * Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin * Frank Ormsby * Siobhán Campbell * Dennis O'Driscoll * John Montague * Moya Cannon * Peter Fallon * Mary O'Malley * Micheal O'Siadhail * John F Deane
Published by the O'Brien Press in association with Poetry Ireland. Supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
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| How Small Groups Can Raise Big Funds |
Jessica Ruston
£7.99, White Ladder Press Ltd
Publication date 29 October 2007
This is a fabulous book for adults and children alike, and is great to take on trip outdoors. It gives you great hints on edible foods found outside, what you should do, how you should behave. I think every home should have one to help them get the most of the trip to the local field, forest or similar - Heather McLean
Whether you’re in the rotary club, raising funds for the church roof, or trying to save the school playing field, it’s tough for small organisations without a professional fundraiser to generate the money they need for their campaign.
The big charities and organisations are so skilled at competing for money from the public pool; where does that leave the smaller groups who have a pressing need for funds? It’s more important than ever to generate interesting, eye-catching and fun ways of getting people’s attention and support.
Jessica Ruston has written How Small Groups Can Raise Big Funds to answer the questions all small groups should be asking. Who do you ask for grants and how? What are the most effective fund-raising ideas? Which ones don’t work? How to you organise the kind of event that will raise the money you need? Can you get a celebrity to endorse it?
As well as a good idea, fundraisers need a solid plan for executing it. How Small Groups Can Raise Big Funds has plenty of guidance on organising the fundraising, getting media interest, budgeting, and finding your way through the maze of regulations surrounding raising money for charity. This book has all the advice, ideas, contact details and guidelines that small groups need to raise money for good causes.
READER OFFER: books normally sell for £7.99, but we can do a special price of £6.50, inclusive of p&p, to anyone who rings the White Ladder telephone number of 01803 813343 and says where they saw the offer. There’s no closing date.
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