Collection: Self-Development

Love and relationships are not one-size-fits-all. Good thing we have options! Most people assume that healthy or serious relationships which involve romance and sex are supposed to follow this path: from attraction and dating, through exclusivity and living together, to marriage that ideally lasts a lifetime.

However, there are plenty of other great ways to do relationships. Options that don't involve lying, cheating, affairs, infidelity, avoiding dating or relationships, swearing off sex or love, or not being true to yourself or others. The "Relationship Escalator" is the traditional bundle of social norms for intimate relationships: monogamy, cohabitation and much more, ideally until death do you part. Beyond this, it might not be obvious what other options exist.

WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK: This book is a fun, intriguing introduction to unusual relationship options.If you want to explore unconventional relationships, or simply to understand your options, you'll find guidance here.If you want to help people you know understand relationships that don't follow the norm, this is a friendly starting point.

WHAT MAKES THIS BOOK WORTH READING: This isn't just one person's opinion. Journalist Amy Gahran surveyed 1500 people about their unconventional intimate relationships: how those relationships work and feel. They shared moving, in-depth personal stories and insights. More than 300 people are quoted in this nonfiction book. "Stepping Off the Relationship Escalator" showcases real-life experiences of:
- Consensual nonmonogamy: Polyamory, swinging, open relationships or being monogamish.
- Going solo: Choosing to live alone (or at least not with intimate partners), to not surrender individuality to couplehood, or to remain single by choice.
- Avoiding hierarchy: Not prioritizing a particular adult relationship by default, simply because it includes sex/romance or started first.
- Asexual and aromantic love, which emphasize forms of intimacy and bonding that our society often discounts.
- Relationship anarchy: Where all aspects of a relationship are based on negotiation and consent.
- Valuing relationships that often get discounted: Ones that don't feel very intense, continue without interruption, or last forever.

Traditional relationships are a fine choice for many people. And: relationships are always a choice. Isn't it better to make important choices consciously, with awareness of options -- rather than by default? More information about this ongoing project, and future books in this series: OffEscalator.com

New functional format, same beautiful paper!

This origami paper pack from Tuttle Publishing has 256 sheets of richly saturated, double-sided origami paper. Held into place with an easy tear-out design, you won't have to worry about loose papers in your pack falling out or getting creased and crinkled.

Origami Cherry Blossoms Paper Pack Book includes:

• 256 6-inch folding papers
• 16 unique patterns, with a coordinating color on the reverse side
• 13 pages of full-color instruction, with origami tips and tricks
• Step-by-step directions for folding 8 origami models

The Most Fun and Adorable Coloring Book on Amazon. If your child loves dinosaurs ...this book is clearly for them. It is a great gift for kids from toddlers up to 4 years of age.

The perfect graduation gift, this book of heroes compiles the most inspirational content from the New York Times bestselling Ordinary People Change the World series.

More than twenty heroic figures from the past and present share their wisdom in this friendly, fun book that combines quotes and artwork from the beloved picture book biography series Ordinary People Change the World. Learn and be inspired by Amelia Earhart's perseverance, Albert Einstein's curiosity, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s conviction, Frida Kahlo's confidence, and so many more examples of strength and bravery. It's a bright and adorable little book that you'll want to give to every hero-in-training in your life.

Children love to eat out at their favorite restaurant and are often curious about what happens once the waiter or waitress takes their order and disappears into the back room. What goes on behind the scenes after an order is placed? Where does the food come from? What does it look like â oeback there? How does it all work? In this popular children's book, Ryan, the restaurant owner, is your child's guide to learning everything that goes on in a restaurant, from the time the restaurant opens and gets ready to serve its customers, to taking a person's order and preparing it, to when the food arrives. From opening to closing time, children will have fun and their curiosity will be sparked as they explore and learn about what happens behind the scenes of eating in a restaurant. Informative and amusing, with a diverse, colorful cast of characters, I Have a Restaurant is a great way to educate and inspire kids, ages 3-7, about the lively teamwork and steps it takes to prepare and serve customers delicious meals. This book is informative and fun. Reading this with my five-year-old stimulated the best discussion"everything from planning to eat out, to manners, to thanking those who served us. It was great fun! Ruth Harmon, Kaitlyn's mom

Explore the magic of dream interpretation in this fully-illustrated, A-to-Z guide to the symbols and their meanings.
From symbols of success and happiness -- like frogs, horses, and kangaroos -- to signs that predict lasting friendships -- including candles and butterflies -- this useful, palm-sized mini-book is an enchanted guide to the symbols and interpretations of dreams. With full-color illustrations throughout, this captivating primer covers more than 90 of the most common images that arise in our dreams.

An essential collection of Books 1, 2 and 3 in the Conversations with God series

This powerful and engaging volume collects the first and bestselling three books in Neale Donald Walsch's beloved Conversations with God series, complete with a foreword by the author.

Offering a fresh perspective for spiritual seekers, Walsch's books have inspired millions of readers around the world, introducing a compassionate, accessible God and deceptively simple truths that have the power to change lives forever. Whether you consider yourself religious, spiritual, or simply open to life's most profound questions, this uplifting volume will offer inspiration, solace, and a pathway toward truth and deeper understanding.

For goldsmiths, collectors, jewelry-makers, investors, retailers and consumers.

The trade of gemstones is a highly specialized and often secretive business. Using The Jeweler's Directory of Gemstones, written by an expert gemstone dealer and designer, will provide any consumer with the insider knowledge needed to make accurate judgments of gemstones, to recognize low- and high-quality stones, and to make a good buy rather than a bad one.

Each full-color spread is packed with concise text, annotated drawings and beautiful photographs, including a showcase of virtuoso jewelry designs. Great for informed consumers, the book includes:

• Sources and grading
• Traditional and modern settings
• Cutting and faceting
• Designing a special setting
• Gemstone groups
• Appraising, buying and handling gemstones
• Diamond types and pearls
• Spotting synthetics and fakes.

Here is a sampling of the practical insider information in this book:

• Using a loupe to examine a stone
• Understanding laser cutting and carving
• Identifying synthetic diamonds
• Buying at gem fairs and from dealers
• Cleaning and storing stones.

No other book has this kind expert advice -- up-to-date, clearly presented and fully illustrated -- on evaluating and using gemstones.

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE WOW FACTOR?

It's a special quality tucked down deep inside you, which comes out when a problem needs solving. It might come from love, courage, or perseverance. Whatever inspires it, it is the part of you that says, "Watch Out World! I can deal with this."

In this book, you will meet six strong, determined, independent women of America's Revolutionary period-among them an extraordinary schoolteacher; an enslaved woman who went to court and won her freedom; a clever mother who took on six Redcoats on her own; an Oneida maiden who braved a blizzard to save Washington's troops at Valley Forge; a sixteen-year- old girl trapped in a fort under siege; and even a president's wife, hauling important documents from the burning White House-all of whom found their WOW factors within a few years of each other!

Who knows? As you explore their stories, you might just discover your own WOW factor!

Hours of fun await young sports fans with this must-have activity book from Sports Illustrated Kids!

Hidden pictures, dot-to-dot, trivia, word search, mazes, and funny fill-ins are just some of the engrossing activities sports-loving kids will find in this full-color game book jam-packed with more than 150 photographs and illustrations. Have you ever wanted to know what quarterback shares your personality traits? There's a quiz for that! All the sports kids love--from soccer to baseball to gymnastics and more--are covered in the All-Star Activity Book making this the perfect companion for road trips, plane rides, or just keeping busy without screens after school.

Young children learn that everybody cries, how crying can help them, and ways they can cope with challenging feelings.

"You cry when you're sad or mad. Crying gets the hurt out." This English-Spanish bilingual board book reassures children that everybody cries and gives them space to cry and experience their "down" feelings.

Sadness and disappointment are common, recurring emotions that children can learn to understand, handle, and grow from. With vivid illustrations and straightforward suggestions, Tears Are Not Forever/Las lágrimas no son para siempre provides practical advice for coping with these challenging feelings. "Remember, tears are not forever. In a little while, you'll feel better."

A section for adults reinforces the book's message that crying is a natural, normal response to strong feelings and includes tips and activities in both English and Spanish to help children express and handle their feelings.

Best Behavior series
Simple words and lively full-color illustrations guide children to choose positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages 1-4 and an expanded paperback for ages 4-7. Bilingual board book and paperback editions of all titles also are available. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips for teachers, caregivers, and parents.

Keep your brain engaged while creating fun, beautiful art with this easy-to-use sticker book.

• Includes 10 farm animal-themed photos to complete.
• Each design is divided into 20 squares.
• Each square has a number that corresponds to a sticker.
• Find the sticker, peel it, and place it in the right space.
• Watch as a full-colored image emerges from the original unfinished photograph.
• Spiral binding and perforated pages make it easy to use!

Find out how to customize, interpret, and apply the wisdom of tarot to enhance every area of your life - your career, finances, relationships, and more.

Get to know each card in detail - meet The Magician, who encourages you to trust in your abilities; connect with the nurturing instincts of The Empress; feel the confidence of The Chariot - and explore the meanings of each card for you.

Discover how tarot readings can illuminate your unique path and lead to tangible, positive actions that you can apply day to day.

Let Tarot guide you on a journey of self-knowledge and self-fulfillment.

Keep your brain engaged while creating fun, beautiful art with this easy Sticker by Number book.

• Includes 10 cat and kitten themed photos to complete.
• Each design is divided into 20 equally sized squares.
• Each square has a number that corresponds to a sticker.
• Find the sticker, peel it, and place it in the right space.
• Watch as a full-colored image emerges from the original unfinished photograph.
• Spiral binding and perforated pages make it simple to use!

Scissor skills preschool activity book for toddlers ages 3+

Support your child's educational journey with Spectrum's Let's Learn to Cut Scissor Skills Preschool Workbook that teaches fine motor skills to preschoolers.

Scissor Skills Activity Books are a great way for toddlers to learn basic scissor skills such as cutting different lines and shapes, gluing objects together, and more through a variety of toddler learning activities that are both fun AND educational!

Why You'll Love This Toddler Activity Book

• Engaging and educational preschool learning activities. "Cutting puzzles", "Cutting and folding to animate illustrations", and "Cutting and pasting onto a paper lunch bag" are a few of the fun toddler learning activities that incorporate fun crafts and scissor skills practice to help inspire learning into your child's preschool curriculum. Extension activities are also included for more learning fun!
• Tracking progress along the way. A review is included to track student progress before moving on to new and exciting preschool learning activities. Use the Certificate of Achievement in the back of the pre k workbook to motivate toddlers on a job well done after successfully completing all the activities!
• Practically sized for every activity. The 64-page preschool workbook is sized at about 8 inches x 10 1/2 inches--giving your child plenty of space to complete each exercise.

About Spectrum

For more than 20 years, Spectrum has provided solutions for parents who want to help their children get ahead, and for teachers who want their students to meet and exceed set learning goals--providing workbooks that are a great resource for both homeschooling and classroom curriculum.

The Preschool Activity Book Contains:

• Pre K cut and paste activities and extension activities
• A review and certificate of achievement
• Perfectly sized at about 8" x 10 1/2"

More than 50 puzzles! Kids will connect the dots in this cool, interactive activity book filled with educational fun everyone will love!

Help your little readers practice visual thinking, pen control, numbers, and hand-eye coordination with these simple dot-to-dot puzzles. Children ages 3-6 will enjoy tracing over dots, connecting them, and revealing cute and colorful pictures of animals, vehicles, people, food, and more! This activity book offers hours of screen-free and educational fun that's age appropriate for kids that are just starting to enjoy problem solving and finding answers independently!

• Quality package: Includes full color art on sturdy, easy to write on, and high-quality pages
• Builds self-esteem and independence: Get kids thinking, writing, counting, and laughing as they take on each brain-teasing challenge
• Learn through games: A delightful at-home activity collection for kids, homeschool supplies, or fun entertainment for preschool, kindergarten, and first grade classrooms
• The perfect gift: An exciting holiday stocking stuffer, engaging birthday gift, travel book, or gift for any occasion!

What parents and educators are saying:

• My 3-year-old loves this book! Love the white, sturdy pages. It makes it easier to draw on for my son.
• My son loves this book and has helped him read, write, and develop extraordinary fine-motor skills. It's by far his favorite activity book. Great find.
• Good, quality paper, designs and clear numbering.