Joan Marie Galat

Joan Marie Galat is a science communicator and children's literacy advocate recognized for her contributions to astronomy writing for young readers in Canada. Although she began creating books at age nine, Galat was first published at 12 as a paid weekly newspaper columnist, marking the start of a career that includes more than 30 books translated into eight languages. Before focusing on publishing, Galat studied biological sciences with an emphasis on ecology and worked as a park naturalist and forestry worker, experiences that informed her later writing.

Galat shares her interest in astronomy through the "Dot to Dot in the Sky" series, which blends scientific information about the night sky with the ancient myths behind constellation and planet names. The first title in the series, "Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories in the Stars," became a best seller within six weeks of release. Her work covers a range of science and nature topics, including light pollution, ecology, volcanoes, wildlife, printmaking, cultural traditions, and history. Galat is also the author of the middle-grade novel "Mortimer: Rat Race to Space" and a biography of human rights activist Malala Yousafzai. Her book "Make Your Mark, Make a Difference: A Kid's Guide to Standing Up for People, Animals, and the Planet" is a Junior Library Guild selection. Galat's books are published by Simon & Schuster, National Geographic Kids, Scholastic, and other major publishers, and she writes both fiction and nonfiction.

Galat has received the Edmonton Artists' Trust Fund award, the Crystal Kite Award, the Martha Weston Grant from the Society of Children's Book Writers, and the R. Ross Annett Award for Children's Literature from the Writers Guild of Alberta. Astronauts such as Chris Hadfield and Dr. Roberta Bondar, among other experts, have read and endorsed her books.

Known for making complex scientific concepts accessible to young audiences, Galat is also a professional speechwriter and former radio host. She has delivered literacy-focused presentations across Canada and internationally, including in Australia and South Korea. Her speaking engagements have included events for the United Nations Environment Programme in Seoul, the International Dark-Sky Association conference in the United States, international book fairs, and tours at schools and libraries.

Galat has promoted her astronomy titles through unique initiatives, such as launching five of her books inside model rockets, including a scale model of a SpaceX Falcon, and sending her weather book, "Dot to Dot in the Sky: Stories in the Clouds," aloft with an Environment Canada weather balloon.

As a literacy advocate, STEM promoter, and science communicator, Galat also offers corporate training, freelance writing and editing, and consulting services through her business, MoonDot Media. Her presentations combine facts, storytelling, and writing strategies to engage students of all ages in topics such as constellations, exploding stars, and black holes. Through her work, Galat introduces young readers to astronomy, mythology, and environmental science, making complex subjects accessible and engaging.