What I Do
I write. When not writing, I’m usually talking about the creative process, books, or science at schools, libraries, and events. I love to share the topics in my books, especially astronomy, space, the environment, and how to make a difference in our world. An avid literacy advocate and STEM promoter, I also provide corporate training, freelance writing and editing, and consulting through my business—MoonDot Media.
Featured Book
MAKE YOUR MARK, MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Take the first steps into activism with this comprehensive middle grade guide that empowers readers to choose and become knowledgeable in a cause they are most passionate to reform, and to create meaningful change through learning what’s already been accomplished—and what can still be done.
Purchase this book and my other titles at:
Order autographed copies through this site.
Featured Book
MORTIMER: Rat Race to Space
A spot on the International Space Station (ISS) has opened up, and Mortimer, a journal-keeping lab rat, is not about to miss his chance to become an intergalactic space rat. And that’s just the first step in his master scheme to prove that rats are much better suited than humans when it comes to a future mission to Mars.
Mortimer sets out to expose the impracticality of human astronauts by conducting experiments and recording the evidence for YouTube. As far as he’s concerned, pellet-eating rats are much easier to feed than fussy humans, and just think of all the unwashed underthings floating around the galaxy—especially when compared to the versatile rattail
But when Mortimer’s schemes go awry, he is forced to face new truths about dreams, friendship, and choosing the right thing to do. Maybe not everything is a rat race.
Read Reviews
EXPERIENCE THE FUN
I believe it is important to celebrate writing
One of the hazards of being an author is the penchant to take things literally. For this reason, several of my book launches have involved sending a book skyward.
I’ve launched five of my astronomy titles inside model rockets, including a scale model of a SpaceX Falcon. My weather book—Dot to Dot in the Sky: Stories in the Clouds achieved its height beneath an Environment Canada weather balloon. I had to take a different approach with Dark Matters: Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution—a hardcover that was not going to fit inside any rocket I could launch. Instead, I incorporated an education owl. While Colonel Slade did not fly up with my book, he did help me celebrate and bring attention to how artificial light at night impacts wildlife.
Titles both kids and educators love
A Selection of Books with STEM Themes
As Featured in these News and Media Outlets
Visit The Media Page For More Links & Videos
- NAIT techlifetoday (Dark Matters)
- NAIT techlifetoday (Stories of the Aurora)
- Spruce Grove Examiner
- Let’s Go Outdoors
- The Science Times
What People Are Saying
I love to share my work with audiences across Canada and around the world. Readers and audience members offered these comments.
from Earth to Sky to Caring for Our World
Speaking to student, family, and adult audiences about space, nature, and science is a passion of mine.
When it comes to helping students find the joy in reading and writing, the sky’s the limit for astronomy and nature author, storyteller, and freelance writer—Joan Marie Galat. In lively presentations that blend facts, storytelling, and writing tips, Joan launches reluctant readers into books, without leaving anyone behind.
Students of all ages find it hard to resist the lure of constellations, exploding stars, and black holes. From ancient myths to a YouTubing lab rat on the International Space Station, Joan also intrigues young writers with her story of becoming a paid columnist at age 12. Other popular sessions look at the environment, human rights, and making a difference in our world. By the end of a presentation, students will head to the library to take out books and appreciate the idea that writing can be fun. They’ll also know how to find the North Star.
Joan’s STEM-themed presentations, perfect for grabbing the attention of all ages, provide links to science and social studies curriculums. Chris Hadfield, Dr. Roberta Bondar, and other astronauts and experts have read and endorsed Joan’s books. Read their comments, along with feedback from teachers, librarians, and students.
I write for children, as well as for adult readers. My children’s collection encompasses picture books (4-8 years), early readers (kindergarten-grade 3), fiction and nonfiction (8-13 years), and a title suggested for ages 10-99! You can find recommended ages for individual titles under Books.
My books for adults include a travel guide: Day Trips From Edmonton and a motivational title: Give Yourself a Pep Talk. No matter what your age, I hope you will also read children’s books, and talk about them with the kids in your life. Works aimed at young readers make it fun and easy to explore topics that may be new to you, as well as complicated information. In my titles, you can discover how engineers solve problems, what it’s like to live in outer space, or mythology relating to the night sky.
Yes! I welcome invitations to speak at schools, libraries, and other venues in my home province of Alberta as well as across Canada and internationally. Talks have taken me from coast to coast to coast in Canada, and to the U.S.A, South Korea, New Zealand, and Australia. I offer energetic science-themed literacy presentations that promote wonder in our world and inspire reading, as well as talks on making a difference in our world. Children discover how I came to be paid for my writing at age 12 and feel motivated to explore their own creativity.
Look for my titles anywhere books are sold. If you do not see them on a store shelf, they will be available for order through customer service or the retailer’s online site. I encourage readers to support independent bookstores. You can also find my books through Amazon and other online shops. If you would like an autographed or dedicated copy, you can order through this website (shipping is available within Canada, or by personal delivery for local or distant event hosts).
I can help you on your writing and publishing journey, however I’m unable to directly connect you with publishers. I offer individualized consulting for aspiring authors, in person or virtually. Please visit the consulting tab under MoonDot Media for details.
Learn With Me
Lively presentations designed to support learning
Subscribe To My Newsletter
Sign up for the MoonDot Muse – an occasional newsletter sent once or twice a year, with writing and publishing tips, as well as book and event news. I will not share your information with third parties.
Address
Located in the Greater Edmonton Region in Alberta, Canada, and accepting invitations to visit your community.
booksmatter@joangalat.com
Phone
780-233-2925