Collection: Self-Development

This introductory guide to the worlds of the leading fantasy role-playing game provides an immersive illustrated primer to the prisons, castles, traps, and labyrinths where players find adventure in D&D.

In this illustrated guide for new players, you'll be transported to the mystical and magical worlds of Dungeons & Dragons and given a one-of-a-kind course on the dungeons and deathtraps for which the game (and all its iterations) is known. Featuring maps, cutaway illustrations, and fun insights that show would-be adventurers how to travel and survive in these fantastical settings, along with original illustrations and archival images, the book shines a spotlight down the dark, foreboding corners of the most infamous locations in the worlds of D&D. The perfect jumping-on point for young fans of fantasy looking to give D&D a try, the book also features prompts to encourage creative problem-solving skills in the dangerous situations you may find yourself in when on D&D adventures.

For decades, the U.S. has been obsessed with "self-esteem" or rather with our lack of it. But self-esteem isn't actually that great, and getting all puffed up about yourself isn't exactly a recipe for the good life. How about self-compassion instead? Microcosm Publishing bestseller Dr. Faith explains the difference between the two and offers some helpful exercises in developing more compassion for yourself. It's actually very different, she explains, than letting yourself off the hook for your bullshit. It's more helpful to accept that you're human so that you can learn and grow rather than push aside your problems or wallow in your mistakes. Also, kindness to yourself helps you be more kind to other people as well. Everyone wins!

Here's the brand new edition of our award-winning reference book on pruning --revised to include lots of additional information and enhanced illustrations.

With expert advice on the latest techniques and valuable insights on new plants, this updated version of The Pruning Book deserves a prominent place in your gardening library.

From humble houseplants to the most amazing exotics, author Lee Reich explains all the dos and don'ts of cutting back. So you'll always make the right cut the first time -- every time.

Reich demystifies even the most complex pruning strategies by providing the precise timing and exact techniques you'll need to guarantee healthy growth and beautiful form.

In great detail, he walks you through the process of pruning everything from ornamental trees and bushes to topiaries and bonsai. And all his insights are delivered with clear, straightforward prose and supported by 250 colorful photos and 135 drawings.

Whether you're a professional gardener, a landscape veteran --or pruning for the very first time --this essential reference gives you everything you need to master the subtle art of pruning.

A Gold NAPPA Winner (National Parenting Publications Awards)
​Moonbeam Silver Children's Book Award for Activity Books

What To Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck guides children and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder. This interactive self-help book turns kids into super-sleuths who can recognize and more appropriately respond to OCD's tricks.

With engaging examples, activities, and step-by-step instructions, it helps children master the skills needed to break free from OCD's sticky thoughts and urges, and live happier lives. This What-to-Do Guide is the complete resource for educating, motivating, and empowering children to work toward change.

This book is part of the Magination Press What-to-Do Guides for Kids series and includes an "Introduction to Parents and Caregivers." What-to-Guides for Kids are interactive self-help books designed to guide 6-12 year old's and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques most often used in the treatment of various psychological concerns. Engaging, encouraging, and easy to follow, these books educate, motivate, and empower children to work towards change.

As featured in the bestselling book The Secret, here is the landmark guide to wealth creation republished with the classic essay "How to Get What You Want." Wallace D. Wattles spent a lifetime considering the laws of success as he found them in the work of the world's great philosophers. He then turned his life effort into this simple, slender book - a volume that he vowed could replace libraries of philosophy, spirituality, and self-help for the purpose of attaining one definite goal: a life of prosperity.Wattles describes a definite science of wealth attraction, built on the foundation of one commanding idea: "There is a thinking stuff from which all things are made...A thought, in this substance, produces the thing that is imaged by the thought."In his seventeen short, straight-to-the-point chapters, Wattles shows how to use this idea, how to overcome barriers to its application, and how work with very direct methods that awaken it in your life. He further explains how creation and not competition is the hidden key to wealth attraction, and how your power to get rich uplifts everyone around you. The Science of Getting Rich concludes with Wattle's rare essay "How to Get Want You Want" - a brilliant refresher of his laws of wealth creation.

The brilliant writings of a highly influential Greek philosopher, with a foreword by Daniel Klein, author of Travels with Epicurus

The teachings of Epicurus--about life and death, religion and science, physical sensation, happiness, morality, and friendship--attracted legions of adherents throughout the ancient Mediterranean world and deeply influenced later European thought. Though Epicurus faced hostile opposition for centuries after his death, he counts among his many admirers Thomas Hobbes, Thomas Jefferson, Karl Marx, and Isaac Newton. This volume includes all of his extant writings--his letters, doctrines, and Vatican sayings--alongside parallel passages from the greatest exponent of his philosophy, Lucretius, extracts from Diogenes Laertius' Life of Epicurus, a lucid introductory essay about Epicurean philosophy, and a foreword by Daniel Klein, author of Travels with Epicurus and coauthor of the New York Times bestseller Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar.

For more than sixty-five years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,500 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Everyone knows that dipping your toe in the dating pond can be a little intimidating without first seeking some expert advice. And that's exactly what Terri Couwenhoven delivers in her new book written expressly for teens and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Boyfriends & Girlfriends explains the do's and don'ts of dating and validates their normal, age-appropriate desire for companionship and romance.

The book covers the biggest questions and smallest concerns of every would-be dater, including:

- Who is an appropriate dating partner & who is not

- How to read signals & judge whether the interest is mutual

- How to ask someone out on a date

- How to turn down a date

- How to handle rejection

- What sexual feelings are

- How to work through problems in a relationship

- What to do when a relationship is not working

Written and illustrated for a hi/lo reader, Boyfriends & Girlfriends is perfect for anyone who is already in a relationship, ready to start one, or still only dreaming about it. The guide is also an informative read for parents, counselors, and other support providers.

Brain Games Large Print Word Search Puzzles presents the puzzles you love to solve without putting any strain on your eyes.

• Puzzle categories span a diverse set of subjects including books, television, language, food and drink, geography, and many more!
• 70 large print puzzles to choose from.
• A terrific buy whether you're a beginning puzzler or a seasoned word-finding wizard.
• Spiral bound, 160 pages.

The only book written by therapists directly focusing on the dilemma of parenting children so as to minimize the negative effects of a narcissistic or borderline parent-partner. It provides strength, encouragement, and reassurance, and teaches effective parenting methods, while keeping the focus on increasing compassion and resilience.

A series of fun and interactive books for toddlers and young children about how great it is to be different.

Every person (and every cat, dog, fairy, and dinosaur) is special and everybody is different too - whatever their shape, size, age, or hairstyle! This series of colorful little books brings a fresh, topical approach about how our differences make us special - whether we are talking about dogs, dads, birthdays, bodies, families, or anything else.

Every One is Special: Babies explains that every baby has different traits which make them unique and special, in a humorous and gentle way. Some babies get very messy, others are very loud, and some are very playful! Among the fun, there is a serious point to be made. At the moment, the differences between us can seem wider than ever. This series of bright little books for babies and toddlers aged 0-3 provides a way to encourage young children to accept and embrace the idea of difference.

Celebrate your little one's differences, as they discover:

- The very first book in a colorful new series that embraces how great it is to be different, and how differences make us special.
- Adorable illustrated pages accompanied by simple, age-appropriate and warm text.
- Clear and simple read-aloud text will engage young ones as they follow the story.
- A safe and sturdy board book format making it easy for little hands to hold.

This board book series provides a celebration of differences for little readers and will make great little handbooks for every child. There is one for every occasion and every important person in their life. Each one providing a handy little slice of life-affirming positivity and fun!

More in the series

Every One is Special is the perfect first baby board book for early learners and is a wonderful celebration of our differences. With bright illustrations and engaging, easy-to-read text, this awe-inspiring series is sure to delight. If your little one loves Every One is Special: Babies then why not try Every One is Special: Dogs, and celebrate all the different types of dogs there are!

Dr. Judith Orloff offers 365 days of self-care meditations, reflections, and journaling suggestions as daily inoculations against stress and overwhelm

Empaths have so much to offer as healers, creatives, friends, lovers, and innovators at work. Yet highly sensitive and empathic people often give too much at the expense of their own well-being--and end up absorbing the stress of others. "To stay healthy and happy," writes Judith Orloff, MD, "you must be ready with daily self-care practices that work." With Thriving as an Empath, Dr. Orloff provides an invaluable resource to help you protect yourself from the stresses of an overwhelming world and embrace the "gift of being different."

If you want daily tools to put into action, this book is for you. Building on the principles Dr. Orloff introduced in The Empath's Survival Guide, this book brings you daily self-care practices and support for becoming a compassionate, empowered empath, including:

- Setting strong boundaries
- Protecting your energy
- Inoculating yourself against stress and overwhelm
- Self-soothing techniques
- Knowing that it is not your job to take on the world's stress
- Breaking the momentum of sensory overload
- Tapping the vitality of all four seasons and the elements
- Deepening your connection with the cycles of nature
- Moving out of clock-based time into "sacred time"

Thriving as an Empath was created to help you grow and flourish without internalizing the emotions and pain of others. "These self-care techniques have been life-saving for me and my patients," writes Dr. Orloff. "I feel so strongly about regular self-care because I want you to enjoy the extraordinary gifts of sensitivity--including an open heart, intuition, and an intimate connection with the natural world."

Have fun as you color from the farm! An excellent farm animal coloring book for kids ages 3-6, this book features 23 charming and contemporary mandala designs of happy cows, smiling sheep, yummy strawberry jam, sunny skies, and so much more! With repeating circular patterns, brightly colored outlines, and even a dedication page on the back of each design to gift their finished piece to a special someone, this mandala coloring book offers young children a creative coloring experience to express themselves as they decompress! Thick heavy stock pages are perfect for markers, crayons, colored pencils, or even paints, and come with perforated edges for easy removal and display.

How would your life be different if you were truly fulfilled?How would our world be different if we all were?

On Purpose: The Power of Authenticity and Intention was birthed in the midst of a once-in-a-generation global pandemic. On the other side of the pandemic, millions of people are asking, "Why?" and "What Now?" and then, "How?" This book examines the promise of "purpose" as the pathway to fulfillment and balance. Purpose, when anchored in authenticity and intention, leads to fulfillment, which is the antidote to the imbalance we feel within ourselves - and the imbalance that exists so prominently in our world right now. You can correct that imbalance by living a life of purpose, on purpose. In On Purpose, author Yvette Simpson is your guide, giving you the keys to unlock the power to live your most authentic, fulfilled life while making an impact and changing the world in the process.

Yvette R. Simpson, Esq., MBA is a lawyer, executive strategist, CEO, media contributor, and national speaker. Nicknamed the "Queen of Reinvention," Yvette helps leaders unlock their power to pursue their purpose and change the world in small in large ways.

This eye-opening YA narrative nonfiction follows three first-generation college students as they navigate their first year--and ultimately a global pandemic.

Making it through the first year of college is tough. What makes it even tougher is being the first in your family to do so. Who can you turn to when you need advice?

Rising Class follows three first-generation freshmen, Briani, Conner, and Jacklynn, as they not only experience their first semester of college, but the COVID-19 pandemic that turned their Spring semester upside down. From life in the ivy league to classes at a community college, this nonfiction book follows these students' challenges, successes, and dreams as they tackle their first year of college and juggle responsibilities to their families back home.

Eye-opening and poignant, Jennifer Miller writes a narrative nonfiction story that speaks to new beginnings, coming of age, and perseverance.

"Leaders who want to amp up employee morale should take a look."--Publishers Weekly

What if the answer to motivating people is to stop trying to motivate them?

The second edition of this bestseller reveals how motivation science is essential for solving the most vexing leadership issues--from hybrid work and retention to employee engagement.

Leaders face a motivation dilemma. Traditional command-and-control management styles and carrot-and-stick motivation techniques have been proven ineffective.

Motivation researcher and leadership consultant Susan Fowler expands on her groundbreaking Spectrum of Motivation model in this updated post-pandemic edition. New chapters tackle motivation science's role in managing remote and hybrid work; expose overused tactics, such as gamification and tokens; and tell the fascinating backstory behind the great resignation and quiet quitting.

Fowler's approach to leadership is fresh, pragmatic, and inspiring. But it's also empirically sound. Her framework builds on Self-Determination Theory, equipping leaders with skills to encourage choice, deepen connection, and build competence. Leaders who mastered this method have experienced breakthroughs with higher retention, lower turnover, greater acceptance of DEIJ initiatives, and a more vital, creative, and resilient workforce.

Through her experiences working with organizations and leaders around the world, Fowler reminds us that motivation is at the heart of everything people do and everything they don't do but wish they did. When managers integrate motivation science into their everyday leadership practice, an evolutionary truth emerges: people can be highly productive and flourish simultaneously.

The Ultimate Guide to Kink is the first major guide to BDSM in a generation--a bold and sexy collection of essays that run the gamut from expert how-to tutorials to provocative essays that delve into complex questions about desire, power, and pleasure. The book brings together diverse voices from the kink community in an unprecedented way: each chapter is written by a different sexuality/BDSM educator. Divided into two sections, the first section features thorough, thoughtful pieces--on everything from flogging to bondage--packed with techniques and beautifully illustrated with original images from artist Katie Diamond. The second section is dedicated to role-playing fantasies and personal manifestos. From age play to masochism, these chapters cover some of the edgiest, most taboo and controversial elements of kink in depth. The Ultimate Guide to Kink features the expertise of renowned educators writing passionately on their favorite subjects, including Patrick Califia, Midori, Laura Antoniou, Barbara Carrellas, Lee Harrington, Jack Rinella, Lolita Wolf, Madison Young, Hardy Haberman, Felice Shays, Ignacio Rivera, Sarah Sloane, Mollena Williams, FifthAngel, and Edge. It will educate, inspire, and challenge both newcomers to the world of kink and experienced BDSM players.