Endorsements, Reviews, Audience Comments

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Endorsements

Explore comments astronauts, scientists, and other experts have shared on the back covers and interior pages of books by Joan Marie Galat

Deborah Ellis

“Informative, upbeat, empowering—Joan Marie Galat has created an antidote to despair in this guide to creating a kinder planet. Readers, teachers, thinkers and community-builders will use this book as a starting point to a life of joyful action for positive change. Beautifully designed, with well-researched information and terrific examples of youth activism, Make Your Mark, Make a Difference should be a staple in classrooms and will be a life-changing gift to kids who care. Great book!”
Deborah Ellis
Peace activist and author of The Breadwinner series

Robert J. Sawyer

“An absolutely charming adventure. Fans of The Secret of NIMH will love this!”
Robert J. Sawyer
Hugo award-winning author of Far-Seer

Chris Hadfield

“Looking up at the Moon has inspired explorers and dreamers for eons, floating as a beacon of endless mystery. It lured me into space. The largest Dot in the night sky is the Moon, and its facts and mysteries are beautifully connected in Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories of the Moon.”
Chris Hadfield
Astronaut

Roberta Bondar

“Connecting dots in the night sky is a sensible first step to begin exploring Earth, where we live among the stars.”
Roberta Bondar
Astronaut

David Saint-Jacques

“I remember as a child being amazed at the sight of my first real night sky, undiluted by man-made light! The exhilarating beauty, complexity and infinity of the universe, right there before my eyes. But, as Joan Marie Galat explains in this book, there is more to light pollution than its effect on star-gazing…the whole world needs dark skies!”
David Saint-Jacques
Astronaut

Dr. Dave Williams​

“Having watched the aurora from space, I’ve known the unique thrill of seeing the lights swirl over the planet. Joan Marie Galat captures the science and remarkable folklore of the aurora in Stories of the Aurora, an inspirational collection of tales that makes the reader want to experience their beauty first hand.”
Dr. Dave Williams​
Canadian Astronaut ​

James Foster, PhD

“This book makes sense of the constellations of the zodiac and explains their significance in terms of both astronomy and astrology … The author describes the yearly journey of the sun, moon, and planets through these groupings of stars in an informative and interesting way.”
James Foster, PhD
Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA

Julie Payette

“This is an excellent book. It’s very interesting to read about the mythological stories behind the names of the planets of our solar system, as well as the planetary facts. I appreciate that Joan Marie Galat is very careful in making the important distinction between the myths and the facts of what we know today. I believe that star gazers of all ages will be fascinated by these stories.”
Julie Payette
Canadian Astronaut ​

Roberta Bondar

“As a Sagittarian, was I predestined to coach university archery and to be launched like an arrow into the sky? Mythology and astronomy will always connect ancient lives to ours and Dot to Dot in the Sky [Stories of the Zodiac] is a remarkable story of how and why.”
Roberta Bondar
Scientist, physician, astronaut, photographer

James Foster, Ph.D.

“Stories of the Aurora by Joan Marie Galat is an engaging book that delves into why auroras both amazed and frightened our ancestors. The next time you look skyward in hopes of seeing the northern or southern lights, think of the early storytellers and their lively interpretations of this natural marvel.”
James Foster, Ph.D., scientist emeritus,
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

David L. Crawford, Ph.D. – Astronomy

“A blend of fine storytelling and gripping facts, Dark Matters reveals the need for dark, along with its value to you and the world. A book to share—highly recommended.”
David L. Crawford, Ph.D. (Astronomy)
International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) cofounder and
former executive director

Josh Classen

“Joan has wonderfully woven science and lore together to produce an entertaining and enlightening book. It’s a great read that will have you seeing weather in a whole new way.”
Josh Classen
Chief Meteorologist, CTV Edmonton

Bob McDonald

“There are two ways to look at the Northern Lights; scientifically, as a stream of energetic particles shot out from the sun colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere, or mythologically, as a wondrous dance of spirits in the sky. Joan Marie Galat provides both in this delightful blend of science and stories from around the world, that capture the most beautiful and magical celestial show to be seen by human eyes.”
Bob McDonald
Science Journalist/Host of CBC’s Quirks & Quarks

Claire Martin

“Joan has created yet another perfect blend of science and stories. A beautiful mix of weather elements, that are scientifically accurate, together with anecdotal mythology that adds such a human perspective to our world. I have always loved reading her books, and this one does not disappoint.”
Claire Martin
Meteorologist

Rick Hansen

“Being the change we want to see in the world isn’t always easy. For parents and children alike, it can be challenging to start a conversation on how we can tackle the barriers to a better world. Joan Marie Galat’s book is an excellent guide for young readers to get curious and find inspiration as our next generation of difference makers. Make Your Mark, Make a Difference offers a step-by-step toolkit for anyone hoping to develop the skills to create positive change within their communities! Together we truly can make a difference!”
Rick Hansen
Founder, Rick Hansen Foundation

“Joan is a natural, enthusiastic speaker, using her voice/gestures so effectively to augment the wonderful stories and interesting information. I was pleased to see how engaged her audiences were—people from small children to seniors. What a gift!“

– Library presentation tour –

The Canadian flag waves proudly against a stunning snow-capped mountain backdrop.

Kate Thomson

Manitoulin Island, Ontario

“Many of our communities in Northern Alberta are small rural settings and when an author is brought in every student in the school attends. Joan frequently presented to a mixed age-range simultaneously. At one school, 80 students from K-6 were hosted together, and in the case of the home educators association, 35 grade 1-9 students were in the same group. She managed both opportunities effectively, spreading her attention and interaction across the audience.

One public library invited two schools that together packed in 75 grade six students. Joan kept their rapt attention for the hour. Joan also presented well to the younger audiences of K-4, and one young student commented afterwards, “That was a good one.” A librarian made this unsolicited, glowing remark, “I had the most favourable response that I have ever got from any author visit. The teachers raved about her. Thank-you for bringing her.” A grade eight student later exclaimed “That was an hour?! That sure didn’t feel like a whole hour!” Such is the power of fascinating subjects and a good presenter.”

– Author visits at schools and libraries in Northern Alberta –

The Canadian flag waves proudly against a stunning snow-capped mountain backdrop.

K. Wiebe

Peace Library System, Alberta.

“Thank you so much for your awesome presentation, your story telling kept us focused for an unbelievable hour. I appreciate how you kept our division one students so engaged and our children with special needs were with you all the way. You have a wonderful way of introducing us to the stories of the sky, and we are motivated to continue reading more. Thank you again.”

– Elementary school author visit –

The Canadian flag waves proudly against a stunning snow-capped mountain backdrop.

Kathie Crosby, Grade 3/4 Teacher

Lendrum School, Edmonton

“You inspired us to write!“

– Virtual presentation –

Majestic American flag waving against a bright blue sky, symbolizing freedom and patriotism.

St. Charles Parish

Writer’s Camp, Louisiana

“Your talk on stories of the night and darkness added a new dimension to the Starlight Conference.”

– Keynote speaker –

John Hearnshaw

Emeritus Professor of Astronomy, University of Canterbury; Director, Starlight Conference, New Zealand

“If I had heard your presentation when I was in school, I would have liked science.”

– Public library programming –

The Canadian flag waves proudly against a stunning snow-capped mountain backdrop.

Darlene Hofer

Librarian, Fort Macleod Public Library, Alberta

Featured Book Reviews

Read Just A Few Of The Many Positive Reviews For Joan’s Books

Kirkus Reviews

“A hands-on, practical, wide-ranging, and information-packed handbook for budding activists.”

Review For

Make Your Mark, Make A Difference

$24.00
Purchase Book

CM Magazine

Galat has written a story with an extremely loveable nar-rat-tor, a character readers will remember for a long tome to come.”
Highly Recommended.

Discover the middle grade novel

Mortimer:
Rat Race To Space

$18.00
Purchase Book

David Saint-Jacques, Canadian Astronaut

David Saint-Jacques, Canadian Astronaut
“I remember as a child being amazed at the sight of my first real night sky, undiluted by man-made light! The exhilarating beauty, complexity and infinity of the Universe, right there before my eyes. But, as Joan Marie Galat explains in this book [Dark Matters, Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution], there is more to light pollution than its effect on star-gazing… the whole world needs dark skies!”

From the back cover of

DARK MATTERS: Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution

Purchase Book

Chris Hadfield, Canadian Astronaut

“Looking up at the Moon has inspired explorers and dreamers for eons, floating as a beacon of endless mystery. It lured me into space. The largest Dot in the night sky is the Moon, and its facts and mysteries are beautifully connected in Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories of the Moon.”

From the back cover of

Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories of the Moon

Purchase Book

Dr. Dave Williams, Canadian Astronaut 

Having watched the aurora from space, I’ve known the unique thrill of seeing the lights swirl over the planet. Joan Marie Galat captures the science and remarkable folklore of the aurora in Stories of the Aurora, an inspirational collection of tales that makes the reader want to experience their beauty first hand.

From the back cover of

Dot To Dot In The Sky, Stories Of The Aurora

$18.00
Purchase Book

Roberta Bondar, scientist, physician, astronaut, photographer

As a Sagittarian, was I predestined to coach university archery and to be launched like an arrow into the sky? Mythology and astronomy will always connect ancient lives to ours and Dot to Dot in the Sky (Stories of the Zodiac) is a remarkable story of how and why.

From the back cover of

Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories of the Zodiac

Purchase Book

Audience Comments

Comments from audience members attending presentations, readings, and other events.

“…lots of “oh wow” learning…”

“Hamilton City Libraries had the privilege of hosting three workshops with Joan. She shared night skies knowledge, the impacts of light pollution, and experiences in developing a writing career through engaging stories, with lots of opportunity to ask questions. Everyone had such a great time and there were lots of “oh wow” learning moments. We highly recommend Joan’s workshops and look forward to her visiting in the future.”
Renee Leth
Programmes and Services Manager, Te Ohomauri o Kirikiriroa – Hamilton City Libraries, New Zealand


“…that’s what the writer told us to do.”

“After listening to your presentation, my Grade 1 students came back to class and wrote in their journals. Several of them told me that they had re-read what they had written, then made changes to make their writing more interesting because, ‘that’s what the writer told us to do.’ Thank you for inspiring these young writers!”
Diana Weber
Grade 1 Teacher, Cold Lake Elementary

“I’ve never seen 80 kids so quiet!”

“Our grade twos were very excited to try the National Geographic book about cats. From animals in our own backyard to constellations from outer space, Joan Marie Galat seems to have it all covered.”
LaDawn Funk
Grade 2 Teacher, Canyon Elementary School, Pincher Creek, Alberta

“…wonderful learning opportunity.”

“The students loved have the opportunity to interact with you. Students were able to meet a real author and listen to you share the story that you wrote. The students enjoyed being engaged in the dialogue with you!. It was just a wonderful learning opportunity.”
Pam Swanson
2nd Grade, Grandview Elementary, Erie, Pennsylvania

“…helped inspire our young writers.”

“Joan Galat’s visit to École St. Thomas was a sheer delight.  During her presentations she captivated students with her storytelling and her great passion for astronomy, planets, and the night sky. As she presented stories from her books, fiction and non-fiction were woven together to keep the students engaged. Her candid talk on being a writer helped inspire our young writers to “shoot for the stars.”
Ila Androschuk
Teacher, École St. Thomas

“…exciting and fun…”

“Joan’s presentation brings the universe down to Earth in a way that kids (and adults) can understand. Her books are informative, colorful, exciting and fun – just like Joan.”
Monique Roy
Children’s Librarian, Greater Sudbury Public Library 

“…informative and entertaining.”

“Our staff and students thoroughly enjoyed Joan Marie Galat’s presentation.  She was very informative and entertaining.  Not only did we learn about astronomy, but she also touched on how her books came to be and about being an author. Thank you so much for such a great presentation.”
Marcelle Velve
Librarian, St. Patrick Catholic School

STEM for girls

Joan Galat visited the Girl’s Book Club. We had 35 kids and quite a few parents. The girls were fascinated with the stories.”
Kathleen Moore
Nepean Centrepointe Library, Ottawa

Grade 6 sky science – virtual

“The Alberta grade 6 sky science unit was greatly enhanced by an online visit with Joan Galat. The class was engaged and enthusiastic for the entire 45 minute presentation/conversation. Joan told some great stories, gave us some wonderful astronomy tips, and answered some great questions that she herself had inspired. Teacher’s comment: “The visit with Joan Galat was time well spent to further enrich the students’ curiosity, engagement, and knowledge. We are grateful to have had such an opportunity.”
Cindy Kilpatrick
Library Manager, Swan Hills School, Alberta

“Great to hear from a
non-fiction author!”

“Engaging, interesting and entertaining. Very captivating speaker, and made fun with music, juggling, and pictures. Joan Marie Galat kept the kids and adults spellbound with her stories.  We do not have many author visits from non-fiction authors.  It was refreshing and fits in with our hope to help our kids read and understand more non-fiction.  Engaging kids in non-fiction text is a school goal of ours.  Also good to get writing tips from an author.”
Bev Olsen
Stavely Municipal Library

“Students were inspired!!”

“The literary presentation by Joan Marie Galat at Saipoyi Community School was amazing. Our students learned so much. The upper elementary grade students were most fascinated and they asked many questions. We appreciate Joan’s wonderful presentation. Students were inspired!!” 
Sharon Tailfeathers
Librarian, Saipoyi Community School, Alberta

“…tips for keen young authors…”

“Joan, thank you so much for fabulous sessions filled with science, stories and helpful tips for keen young authors!  Your passion for reading, writing and learning is contagious. The students also enjoyed discovering some of your special talents and hobbies…all inspired by reading!”
Lori Thomas, Teacher/Librarian
West Vancouver, British Columbia

“…an incredible role model.”

“Every single group of students that came to listen to you, found what you had to tell them interesting. I have had many students come into the library asking for your books to read, and also asking more about other nonfiction books like you suggested. You have been an incredible role models for the students.”
Vanessa Plett
Library Manager, Rosemary School



Kids cheered

“The kids cheered when I showed them that we had purchased your books.”
Jennifer Compagnon
Grade 7/8 teacher, Ahlul Bayt Islamic School




Writing camp

“You inspired us to write!”
Writers Camp
St. Charles Parish, Lousiana

Grades 1-8

“Joan did two presentations for the students from grade 1-8. Joan was well organized, personable, and engaged with the students during her presentations. Both students and teachers really enjoyed her visit. It was a pleasure to meet her and hear her wonderful storytelling.
Michele Kettles
Library Manager, Bonanza Municipal Library

“…gave our teachers a few ideas…

“Having Joan travel to our schools in Cambridge Bay and Kugluktuk during TD Canada Book Week was a real treat. Her practical approach to science helped our students understand the physics behind the phenomena of the northern lights. Her writing workshops helped inspire our students’ ideas. We were all impressed by the level of writing our students completed while working with Joan. She even gave our teachers a few ideas for new writing activities!”
Shawna Thomson
Language Arts Consultant, Kugluktuk, Nunavutplace


“I heard them talking…”

“I would love to express how much we enjoyed your presentation—not just the students but also the teachers. You presented it in such a way that all who listened could hardly wait to go out and try all the methods on the night sky. I heard them talking to each other about the different methods for finding certain stars, etc.
The teachers felt it would be wonderful to have you be the one to teach sky science to our children and the children thought that was a good idea too. Along with your knowledge of the subject you also have great storytelling skills. Thank you again for sharing with us.”
Irene Portsmouth
Information Specialist, Hines Creek Composite School, Alberta

“Very entertaining!”

“Joan was our Hackmatack author, presenting to the Perth-Andover Middle School students. She was fun and kept our attention throughout the 1.25 hour session. The students were encouraged to participate by acting out parts of her story. She also read, shared pictures using a projector, did a dot-to-dot white board activity, and even included dramatic action. Very entertaining!
Tammie Wright
Library Manager, Perth-Andover Public Library, New Brunswick

“…versatile author…”

“Joan Galat, author of Dot to Dot in the Sky gave an outstanding set of presentations to Ecole Meridian Heights School. This versatile author was able to connect with each of her four diverse audiences (K-9). As well as talking about her book with regard to stars, constellations, and mythology, she shared secrets of publishing which captured their attention-especially of the division 3 students. We highly recommend this author to your school or classroom.”
Librarian
École Meridian Heights School, Stony Plain, Alberta

“…a terrific experience…”

“SIS Canada, a British Columbia offshore school located in South Korea was fortunate to welcome Ms. Galat to present to our students.  A great time was had by all as Ms. Galat taught our students about the constellations and shared many of her wonderful books. What a terrific experience it was for our students to get to meet and interact with a real Canadian author. Ms. Galat is a warm, friendly, and knowledgeable, so if you have the chance to welcome her to your school, go for it!”
Marc Daneault
Principal, SIS Canada, Sokcho, South Korea

“…held everyone’s attention…”

“Joan Galat held everyone’s attention for a full hour, changing the topic, changing the pace, and involving the students. Dot to Dot in the Sky keeps appearing during independent reading times. Students are really interested in the stars and the stories.”
Norwood Elementary School
Edmonton, Alberta

“…children were captivated…”

“Joan does a great job explaining the mysteries of the night sky! The children were captivated as they walked into the room to find Joan spinning poi balls and performing a Polynesian art form.  Joan was warm and friendly, and offered students an interactive reading including props, visuals, and sound.  At one point, Joan invited children to volunteer, acting as the Sun, Earth, northern lights, and solar wind. Joan will have your students wanting to know more about the stories surrounding each constellation!”
Nancy Edgar, MA, MLIS
Head of Children’s Services /Chef des services pour enfants, Fredericton Public Library

“…interest from start to finish.”

“All the teachers were impressed with Joan’s relaxed approach in making what can be a very complex subject so fun and easy to understand. The grades one and two teachers were very excited at how engaged their students were while she told her stories. Div II teachers were equally as enthusiastic in giving praise to her animated stories and tidbits of interesting facts, all the while maintaining the students’ interest from start to finish.”
RoseAnn Johnston
Librarian, Fort Saskatchewan Elementary School, Alberta

“…a gifted presenter.”

Joan Marie Galat captivated the students with her informative yet entertaining description of the stars and mythological stories. She is a gifted presenter.”
Lori Fielding
Carp Branch, Ottawa Public Library

Grades 4/5

“The grade 4/5 students from Manor Park School who attended Joan’s presentation at St-Laurent really enjoyed it. The combination of factual information, storytelling, background on Joan’s childhood, the writing process, and participatory activities was really effective. She had the young audience’s full attention.”
Megan Clare
St. Laurent Library, Ottawa

“…held all 75 kids’ attention…”

“Joan is a great storyteller. She held all 75 kids’ attention as she told ancient tales of the stars and moon. She brought out the curiosity of the audience, as they asked thoughtful questions about her works. The teachers were thrilled that Joan’s talk and her books were curriculum related for grades 4 and 5. I personally bought three of Joan’s books and one teacher bought four titles. I would have Joan again.” 
Sandra Burke
Ruth E. Dickinson Library, Ottawa

Student Comments

Comments from students attending presentations, readings, and other events.

“I learned about space in science class but your lecture is much more interesting. Thank you.”
—NL, student in South Korea

“We need to check our work a lot when writing a story and we need to think “what if” to think of an idea.
—G. student in South Korea

“We should read to be good writers.”
—GP, student in South Korea

“During the meeting with the writer, I thought she was very happy to write books. She enjoys her job. Someday in the future I hope to write my own book. I was happy to meet you.
—CSJ, South Korea

“I learned that reading is important to our lives.”
—JM, student in South Korea

“We need to check our work a lot when writing a story and we need to think “what if” to think of an idea.”
—G. student in South Korea

“I’m now trying to cut down on my light pollution so that less bugs and birds die. I also told my grandma and the rest of my family 
about this and now they’re trying to cut down too.”
—student in Canada

“I learned about the stars. It was fun.”
—student in South Korea

“Your concern for light pollution really made me think. I want to learn the full extent of light pollution.”
—student in Canada

“Writers are not born writers.”
—M, student in South Korea

“The information she presented to us is quite interesting and was something we all needed to hear. Before this presentation I never knew we were affecting the world by just simply flipping a light switch.”
—student in Canada

“The story about when you were young is very cool!
—S., South Korea

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