
A parent might reach for this book when their child is consistently frustrated by forgetfulness, whether it's struggling on tests, misplacing belongings, or feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork. "Think of a Link" is not a story but an engaging, illustrated toolkit of memory techniques designed specifically for kids. It transforms the chore of memorization into a fun game using silly stories, mental maps, and other clever tricks. By framing memory as a learnable skill, the book builds self-confidence, encourages creative thinking, and empowers children with practical strategies to feel more in control of their own learning. It’s an excellent, supportive resource for any child who thinks they have a “bad memory.”
The book addresses memory challenges and the frustration of forgetfulness, which can be linked to learning disabilities or ADHD. The approach is entirely secular, positive, and empowering. It reframes memory not as an innate talent but as a skill that can be developed through practice and clever strategies. The resolution is hopeful, providing kids with a toolkit for success.
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Sign in to write a reviewAn 8 to 12-year-old who feels anxious about school tests, is often described as 'scatterbrained,' and expresses frustration with their own memory. It is also perfect for a child who loves puzzles, brain teasers, and magic tricks, or a child with executive function challenges who would benefit from concrete, creative strategies for organization and recall.
No preparation is needed. This book can be handed to a child to explore independently. However, it's highly effective if a parent engages with the material alongside the child, trying out the memory games together to make it a fun, collaborative activity rather than just more homework. The parent just got an email from the teacher about missed assignments. The child studied hard for a history test but froze up and couldn't recall the dates. The parent is tired of hearing, "I forgot!" when asked about homework, chores, or permission slips.
A younger reader (8-9) will gravitate toward the simpler, more visual techniques like the story-linking method and will enjoy the silly humor and illustrations. An older reader (10-12) will be able to grasp and apply the more complex systems, like the journey method, to their school subjects, seeing the direct practical benefit for studying and test-taking.
Unlike many dry 'study skills' guides, this book's presentation is pure fun. It uses a zany, cartoon-heavy style similar to the "Horrible Histories" series to make learning feel like a game. Its focus on imagination and storytelling as the core of memory makes it uniquely appealing to creative kids and effectively demystifies the process of memorization.
This is a non-fiction, skills-based book that teaches children mnemonic devices and other memory strategies. Each chapter introduces a different technique, such as the link method (creating a silly story to connect items on a list), the journey method (placing items in a mental map of a familiar place), and number-shape or number-rhyme systems. The concepts are explained with humor, step-by-step instructions, and cartoonish illustrations that make the information accessible and entertaining.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.