For Dummies is an extensive series of instructional reference books which are intended to present non-intimidating guides for readers new to the various topics covered.

The books are an example of a media franchise, consistently sporting a distinctive cover—usually yellow and black with a triangular-headed cartoon figure known as the "Dummies Man", and an informal, blackboard-style logo.

Prose is simple and direct; bold icons, such as a piece of string tied around an index finger, are placed in the margin to indicate particularly important passages.

The series is now published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,[2] which acquired Hungry Minds (the new name for IDG Books as of 2000) in early 2001.

[8] The game is similar to Scrabble, but instead of letter tiles, players draw short strips of cardboard containing pre-built English words.