Although she started making books at the age of nine, Joan Marie Galat wasn’t published until she was 12 years old, when she became a paid weekly newspaper columnist. Today she is the award-winning author of more than 20 books, with translations in eight languages. A selection of her titles include Solve This! Wild and Wacky Challenges for the Genius Engineer in You (National Geographic Kids), the Dot to Dot in the Sky series and Day Trips From Edmonton (Whitecap Books), Dark Matters—Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution (Red Deer Press), Erupt! 100 Fun Facts About Volcanoes; Cats; and Absolute Expert—Space (National Geographic Kids), and Give Yourself a Pep Talk (Pelican Publishing).

Joan shares her love of the stars in the Dot to Dot in the Sky series which combines the science of the night sky with the ancient myths that give constellations and planets their names. Her first title, Dot to Dot in the Sky, Stories in the Stars, became a best seller within six weeks of its release. As well as astronomy and mythology, her books for children explore light pollution, ecology, nature, meteorology, volcanoes, wildlife, engineering, printmaking, cultural traditions, and history. Her titles include both fiction and non-fiction, often with a focus on one or more STEAM topics (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Her titles for adults include a travel guide and motivational title.

A prolific writer and relentless promoter of reading, Joan loves to use storytelling to connect with audiences. Highlights in her career have involved Canadian and international sparking engagements including the United Nations Environment Programme in Seoul, South Korea; the International Dark-Sky Conference in Snowbird, Utah; presenting Korean translations of her books at an international book fair in Seoul; the Jasper Dark Sky Festival; and touring at schools and libraries across Canada. She is the a recipient of the Martha Weston Grant, awarded annually to one member (worldwide) of the USA based Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

Joan operates MoonDot Media, a communications business offering writing and editing solutions in broadcast, print, and multi-media. Her freelance jobs have encompassed writing radio and video scripts, a cartoon, magazine articles, exhibit text, speechwriting, annual reports, grant applications, and other projects. She also provides corporate training and public workshops, as well as consults for writers on query letters, manuscripts, and the submission process.