Joan Marie Galat

Author Information

Residence: Parkland County

Much of my writing is for adult audiences but more people know me as an author of children’s science books. Some call me the star-lady because of my astronomy titles and interest in everything outer space. I enjoy delivering presentations on my book topics and promoting literacy and science, as well as showing others how to find their way around the night sky.

Writing for children is a passion, perhaps because I enjoyed reading so much while growing up. Now I write the kinds of books that first intrigued me, as well as titles that reflect my current interests. My biography, below, goes into all the details.

As a freelance writer and editor, I get to explore a variety of subjects, from agriculture to zoology, and many topics in-between. Some days see me delivering virtual writing workshops. Other days find me editing an annual report or writing speeches for clients. Every day brings new writing experiences. I’m never bored!

Website

Contact Joan for Questions!

Where do I buy these books?

Autographed books can be ordered directly through author at her website

 

They are also available anywhere books are sold. Independent bookstores like Audreys Books (Edm) and Owl's Nest Books (Calgary) are great at bringing in stock, but titles are also available through Amazon and Chapters. The Wildbird General Store in Edmonton also has her titles. 

Branching Out, How Trees are part of Our World

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- How people and animals use trees

- A look at how trees are part of our society, culture, and economy

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Ages: 9 and up  (64 pages)

 

Trees have been around for nearly 400 million years, and today about 25,000 species of trees have been identified. We’ve relied on trees for everything from fuel, food, and medicine to building railways. Today, trees still touch our lives in countless ways. But what do we really know about them?

Branching Out takes an in-depth look at these incredible plants, introducing the basics of tree biology and profiling 11 different trees from around the world, including familiar ones such as the red maple as well as lesser-known trees, like the tall-stilted mangrove.

It showcases the inextricable ways trees are part of our society, culture, and economy. It also outlines how animals need trees – and sometimes even help trees survive through symbiosis. Full of useful facts and rounded out with a section on conservation, Branching Out is an essential primer that will leave young readers wanting to treat trees as well as they have treated us.

 

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Dark Matters-Nature’s Reaction to Light Pollution

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Told through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Joan who loves the outdoors, Dark Matters introduces young readers to the fragile animals that are impacted by our increasingly threatened nighttime skies.

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Ages: 9 and up  (70 pages)

 

 

Light and dark have affected the very ways humans, plants, and animals have grown and thrived. In fact, light and dark have affected pretty much the entire natural world around us. But lights from cars, streetlights, houses, shopping malls, skyscrapers, and other structures make towns and cities glow with light so bright it can be seen from outer space. What happens when humans tamper with the age-old balance of day and night?

Told through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Joan who loves the outdoors, Dark Matters introduces young readers to the fragile animals that are impacted by our increasingly threatened nighttime skies.

Come discover the amazing night life of frogs and bats, turtles and fireflies, birds, plants, and so much more. And learn how their lives and ecosystems are negatively impacted by light—much of which is so unnecessary.

This book is packed full with fascinating and unexpected facts and illustrations, and comes with tips and suggestions on how young people can help reduce light pollution. Because dark matters.

 

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Dot to Dot in the Sky – Stories in the Clouds

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- Stories from around the world

- Includes Indigenous tales

- Weather science

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Ages: 9 and up

 

What will the weather be today? Is it going to be sunny and clear, or will there be icy winds? Do I need a coat? These seem like simple questions, but the challenge to predict and understand the weather has perplexed humankind for thousands of years.

In Stories in the Clouds, Joan Marie Galat expands the scope of her popular Dot to Dot in the Sky series to look at the weather as we understand it today, contrasted with the myths and legends our ancestors used to explain the weather—from sunshine and clouds to violent storms. Read about Russia’s Father Frost, whose icy touch was a danger to those he deemed unworthy. Discover the tale of Maui, the Hawaiian god who brought powerful winds to his island just to fly his tree-sized kite, and Lei-Gong, the Chinese Thunder god who, when displeased, could make the clouds roll and rumble with each strike of his drum.

With gorgeous pastel illustrations by Georgia Graham, Stories in the Clouds features detailed sidebars to explain the seasons and our atmosphere. You will find curious facts and trivia that explain the weather’s strange and erratic behavior, alongside stories from around the world. Together they demonstrate what a mysterious and wonderful phenomenon the weather can really be.

 

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Dot to Dot in the Sky - Stories of the Aurora

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- Science of why auroras occur

- Myths ancient cultures have told to explain the mysterious northern lights

- Stories from the Inuit, Norse, Romans, Mi’kmaq, Wabanaki, and others

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Ages: 9 and up (68 pages)

High above Earth, glowing bands of color dance, shimmer, and soar across the night sky. Whether you know them as the northern or southern lights, auroras are one of nature’s most dazzling spectacles. It’s hard not to marvel—why do they exist? Joan Marie Galat explores the answer in this addition to the Dot to Dot in the Sky series, revealing the incredible cosmic circumstances that lead to such brilliant displays of light.

Find out what happens when solar winds strike the Earth’s atmosphere and electrical and magnetic forces react together. Then go back in time to discover how ancient cultures explained the mysterious lights. Meet a Norse frost giant that refuses to marry, a chief who follows his son across the Milky Way, and a seven-headed monster yet to lose a fight. From celestial fires to dancing spirits, auroras have taken many meanings over time. These rich tales, with stunning illustrations and full-colour photographs, are the perfect way to discover this spectacular phenomenon for yourself.

 

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Dot to Dot in the Sky - Stories of the Zodiac

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- Star charts

- 12 zodiac constellations and associated Greek myths

- Astronomy

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Ages: 9 and up

 

Stories of the Zodiac is the fourth book in the best-selling Dot to Dot in the Sky series, blending sky science with ancient myths. The adventures of gods, animals and heroes are illustrated in the 12 zodiac constellations. Each constellation presents a Greek myth to discover and myriad celestial objects to explore, including nebulae, multiple star systems and meteor showers.

Discover how the constellations have been used to create horoscopes that describe personalities and predict the future. Find out the difference between astrology and astronomy. Use the glow-in-the-dark map of the night sky to identify the constellations and search easily for them. Learn the stories that originated long ago, when people first gazed at the same star patterns we see today.

 

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Dot to Dot in the Sky - Stories of the Moon

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- Moon science

- Myths from around the world. Includes Indigenous tales.

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Ages: 9 and up

People all around the world gaze up in wonder at the Moon. Ancient peoples marveled too, and told many stories inspired by its mystery. Dot to Dot in the Sky: Stories of the Moon, the third book in the Dot to Dot in the Sky series, is a collection of stories and myths from many different cultures.

Join Rabbit of the Mi’k Maq legend as he captures the thieving Moon Man. Discover why, in China, the Man in the Moon has a greedy face. Learn why the Moon in West Africa is now a treasure for everyone to share.

Magical illustrations accompany these engaging Moon myths along with facts about geology, tides, Moon phases, eclipses, and much more.

Stories are from Greece, Africa, Mi’k Maq, Korea, China, Russia, Japan, England, and Polynesia.

 

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Dot to Dot in the Sky - Stories of the Planets

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- Greek and Roman myths

- planet science

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Ages: 9 and up (64 pages)

Ages: 9 and up (64 pages)When you look up into the sky, do you notice that some stars don’t seem to twinkle? That’s because these objects are planets, not stars! The planets in our solar system appear to wander against a backdrop of stars as they revolve around our Sun. Journey through this fun guide to the planets and discover the exciting stories created long ago to explain the mysteries of the ancient world. Learn how to identify the planets and check the Planetary Notes to see what makes each one unique. Next time you look into the night sky, find the planets and remember the stories of the ancient gods for whom they were named!

 

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Absolute Expert: Space

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Discover everything you've ever wanted to know about space in a stellar book for aspiring experts.

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Ages: 8-12+ (112 pages)

 

 

 

Ready to go on an out-of-this world adventure? Travel across the Milky Way and into new galaxies to explore every corner of space so YOU can become an absolute expert. Get up close to the sun and moon, asteroids and comets. Learn about the Oort Cloud, supernovas, black holes, and rockets and other spacecraft. Discover the incredible work of astronauts, astronomers, physicists, and other cool space scientists. On this journey across the universe, you’ll make your way from our familiar home here on Earth to planets and solar systems that are many light-years away. Rub elbows with the stars on this cosmic adventure complete with special features, sidebars, wacky trivia, and more, including exclusive astronomical insights and info from National Geographic explorer and astrophysicist Munazza Alam!

 

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Stars

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Did you know that stars can explode? Have you ever wondered how many stars exist in the universe or how they form? These are just a few of the topics covered in Stars, which includes the latest NASA imagery.

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Grades 2-5

From supergiants to white dwarfs, and star clusters to supernovae, readers will be consumed with fascinating facts and information about these bright, beaming objects in our universe. With the latest NASA imagery, lively text, and the classic structure and features of A True Book, the Our Universe titles bring the awe of the cosmos directly to readers. Students will come away with a wealth of knowledge about the incredible celestial bodies in our universe.

This series covers Next Generation Science Standards’ core ideas including “The Universe and its stars” and “Earth and the solar system.”

 

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Black Holes and Supernovas

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Find out why stars explode and disappear

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RL: 3-4 (32 pages)

Stars live for billions of years. But their deaths are just as spectacular. Get an up close look at the supernovas and black holes that stars leave behind.

 

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The Story of Malala Yousafzai

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Find out how Malala stood up for equal rights and became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

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Ages 6-8 (66 pages)

Malala Yousafzai became a brave activist while she was still a young girl. Before she fearlessly fought for girls’ right to education, she was a thoughtful kid who enjoyed school, sports, and daydreaming.

 

Then Malala was told that girls would no longer be able to go to school. She didn’t let that stop her, though! Find out how Malala stood up for equal rights and became the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Story of Malala Yousafzai includes a visual timeline of Malala’s life and glossary to examine the book’s more advanced words. Find out how Malala changed the world and consider, how will Malala’s courageous spirit inspire you?

 

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Maker Projects For Kids Who Love Printmaking

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How to express your creativity through printmaking

 

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Reading Level: Gr. 5
Interest level: Gr. 5-9

 

From creating their own art tools to making a screen print unique to their personal style and vision, this title helps readers express their creativity through the various forms of printmaking. Using clear methods, engaging photographs, and non-toxic materials, readers will learn the techniques of printmaking and be inspired to experiment with their own designs and ideas.

 

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The Discovery of Longitude

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The true story of a carpenter who won the British prize for solving the problem of how to determine east-west direction

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Ages: 5+  (32 pages)

Discover the fascinating story behind one of the most important changes to nautical navigation in this nonfiction book for young readers. More than 300 years ago, explorers wandered the seas at the mercy of starless nights and stormy weather. They followed the shoreline, navigating by recognizable landmarks and the stars, but often became lost or wrecked on the rocky coast. What they needed to know in order to navigate safely was the longitude of their location, but for that they needed accurate timekeeping. Unfortunately, no accurate source of time measurement at sea existed.

 

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Cats

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From house cats to big cats, readers learn about their favourite felines. Co-readers are designed to be read aloud together, with one page for the learner and the next for a parent, caregiver, or other more fluent reader.

 

 

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Adult and child readers will learn all about cats together in this new co-reader from National Geographic Kids! From house cats to big cats, readers will learn all about their favorite furry felines. Co-readers are designed to be read aloud together, with one page for the child who is learning to read and the adjacent page for a parent, caregiver, older sibling, buddy, or other more fluent reader.

 

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Erupt! 100 Fun Facts About Volcanoes

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Includes fun information on volcanoes from around the world, and even some that are out of this world! This Level 3 reader provides accessible, yet wide-ranging information for fluent readers.

 

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Kids will burst with excitement as they learn all about the science and wonder of volcanoes in this new National Geographic Kids Reader. The Level 3 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging information for fluent readers. Plus, the book includes 100 fun facts for quick and quirky information on all kinds of volcanoes, all around the world–and even some that are out of this world! The Facts Readers series bridges the gap between short, digestible knowledge nuggets and informative sustained reading.

 

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Solve This! Wild and Wacky Challenges for the Genius Engineer in You

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Engineers dream up new ideas and bring them to life, but how do they do it? Find out in Solve This! Each challenge invites kids to think creatively to problem solve, then see how different National Geographic explorers tackled the challenge.

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Ages: 9-13 (160 pages)

From the first wheel to the International Space Station, the miracles of engineering are all around us. Think cars, bridges, skyscrapers, and yes – even bubble wrap! Engineers dream up new ideas and bring them to life while figuring out creative solutions to problems they encounter along the way. But how do they do it? Find out in Solve This!

In this fun book, kids are confronted with wacky scenarios like this one: You’re playing with your little sister when a vulture swoops down and grabs her favorite teddy bear. Mid-flight, the vulture realizes it doesn’t care for the taste of fake fur and drops it to the ground. But now the plushie is on the other side of a raging river. How do you stop your sister from crying, stay safe, and save the day? Each challenge invites kids to think creatively to problem solve. Then they can see how different National Geographic explorers tackled the challenge. One of the big lessons? There’s often more than one solution!

 

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Cultural Traditions in Ghana

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Discover unique traditions, holidays, and festivals in Ghana. Find out about fascinating celebrations, national events, and religious days.

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Grade level: 2-4 (32 pages)

 

Made up of diverse cultures and with a history of European rule, Ghana is rich in unique traditions. Many holidays and festivals celebrate national events, food harvests, and religious holy days. From unique clothing to traditional music, storytelling, and foods, readers will delight in this interesting title that follows the different holidays and cultural traditions throughout the year in Ghana. Includes index and glossary.

 

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Cultural Traditions in Turkey

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Discover unique traditions, holidays, and festivals in Turkey. Find out about fascinating celebrations, national events, and religious days.

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Grade level: 2-4 (32 pages)

 

A country with a rich history and culture, Turkey’s cultural traditions are influenced by Islamic holy days and its diverse ethnic population. Clear images and text with interesting fact boxes guide readers through a year of traditions and celebrations in the influential country. Find out also how traditional Turkish foods, clothing, and music are featured and celebrated.

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Give Yourself a Pep Talk

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100 motivational pep talks designed to help you deal with everyday challenges

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For adults/senior high

Discover 100 motivational pep talks designed to help you deal with everyday challenges. Each vignette offers encouraging words that offer strategies to rejuvenate weary spirits, cope with unsolved problems, and achieve conscientious living. Along the way, discover how to appreciate your individuality, choose which experiences define you, and enjoy your own story—to live an inspiring life.

 

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Day Trips From Edmonton

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Perfect for planning an afternoon outing or a weekend away, Day Trips is the ultimate guide to this stunning part of Canada.

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For adults

Alberta is host to some of Canada’s most stunning scenery, from aspen forests and farmland to wetlands and foothills. Many of the province’s natural wonders, cultural treasures, historical sites and recreational spots are within a two-hour drive of Edmonton.

 

Day Trips From Edmonton is a comprehensive guide to Alberta’s best destinations. Visit secluded, untouched natural areas or hotspots bustling with activities.

Day Trips from Edmonton includes maps and photographs, and features an easy-to-follow format catered to suit the traveler’s needs.

Helpful details include:

  • Recreation information
  • Historical tidbits
  • Popular events
  • Information on flora and fauna
  • Opportunities for further exploration.

Perfect for planning an afternoon outing or a weekend away, Day Trips from Edmonton is the ultimate guide to this stunning part of Canada.

 

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