another GOODREADS win! Colorful and vibrant photographs accompanied by massive amounts of topics with just enough detail to peak any curiosity. ( )

I was very disappointed with this almanac, the first one of National Geographic's that I've purchased. The organization of the book feels haphazard. The design of each page seems to share no consistency with any nearby page. Some people might like to browse a book like this, but I didn't. I was expecting something more like a reference book I could pick up and easily find what I was looking for (and see some spectacular photography at the same time, of course). ( )

Breaking bread is the universal bonding mechanism of humanity. At a table, over food, one has no enemies.

National Geographic magazine is a sentimental staple in my life: I grew up on old issues given to me by neighbors and treasured the subscriptions I got for Christmas. I've given up my paper magazines in the name of conservation but am still drawn to that familiar yellow border and the images and knowledge within.

I hadn't had an opportunity to pour over any of NatGeo's annual almanacs until offered one for review, and it's an ultra dose of everything the magazine does well, broken up into small, easily consumed tidbits. It's perfect for trivia nerds and kids: most of the topics are covered in two pages or less, broken up with NatGeo's trademark stunning photography or infographics and timelines for context.

Between us, I'm not precisely sure what makes this an 'almanac' in the way I understand an almanac (weather or astrological predictions) but the topics presented are timely and relevant: recent scientific discoveries (importance of sleep), anniversaries (10th anniversary of Ada Lovelace Day), concepts (gender as a spectrum), cutting edge thinkers (immersive journalist Paul Salopek, whose quote opens my review), historical figures (Semiramis), and research that reached mainstream media (brain-gut connection). There's also tons of trivia: the biggest things, deepest things, maps of countries and rows of flags, the kind of stuff I loved stumbling over when paging through encyclopedias.

What I appreciate in this book is what I appreciate about NatGeo's work in general: there is a reverence for the planet and an affection for all people that invites the reader to see themselves as a piece of a larger, interconnected story. This book is great for anyone who enjoys the surprise of stumbling across a tidbit new to them, but also strikes me as a great springboard for homeschool or independent study. Unabridged Kid (4.5 years old) and I have been turning to it almost daily to explore a page of nerdiness or pour over the striking pictures. I anticipate this will become an annual arrival in our house now and it makes me more than a little sentimental to pass on my love for NatGeo to him. ( )

National Geographic's new series of books are filled with fantastic photos and information, and Almanac 2020- Trending Topics, Big Ideas, Photos, Maps, Facts and More is perfect for anyone wants to know more about our world.

The book is divided into sections- Trending 2020, Exploration & Adventure, This Planet & Beyond, and The Science of Us among them. Each section starts off with Quiz Master, a page filled with questions that will be answered in the following pages.

There are so many interesting facts, such as the Netherlands, a small, cold climate country leads the world in tomato, potato and onion exports. Who would have guessed that? In Austin, Texas, restaurants are required by law to donate or compost unused foods, it can't go to the landfill. In Rwanda, 61% of their seats in the lower House of Parliament are held by women.

National Geographic magazine is known for their incredible photos, and there are many pages filled with the best of them. The ones of the Night Sky are stunning. You will immediately head to their Instagram page to follow them.

They have pages of maps, like the one of the United States National Parks, along with a sidebar of the Secret Gems found there that will help you plan a cross-country trip. If you prefer to travel world-wide, The Off The Beaten Path page has suggestions for the more adventurous places to visit. The map of disappearing languages is enlightening.

The Timeline pages of Human Evolution, Life Science, Earth Science, American History, and more would help trivia fans win contests. The photo graphics of backyard birds, seashells, and telltale tracks of various animals will interest nature lovers.

There is so much rich content here, it's a great book to keep on your coffee table and thumb through when you have a few minutes. You'll learn about the religious holidays of the most popular faiths, popular fairy tales from history and their modern takes, and a page listing the peacekeeping missions of the United Nations. And for fans of the web series "Fun With Flags " (shout-out to The Big Bang Theory), there are pages of flags of the United States throughout history, state flags, and flags of the world.

Whether you are studying up to be on Jeopardy, have a budding scientist in the family, or are curious about our world (and beyond), Almanac 2020 is a wonderful book for the entire family. The eye-catching graphic layout is not your grandfather's almanac. It would make a great gift. ( )