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Updated: Nov 15, 2021

I'm excited to be able to share that the fifth book in the Explorer Academy series: THE TIGER'S NEST is now available! In the story, Cruz must find TWO pieces of the cipher containing his mom's secret formula, and this leg of the journey has him traveling from the Seychelles to India to ... well, I'd better not reveal too much here. Let's just say he's in for plenty of surprises when an old foe returns. Cruz is as focused as ever in his quest to find all of the fragments of the formula, but his stubborn determination to go it alone may end up costing him a higher price than he ever expected to pay. As usual, look for the codes and hidden messages within the text and illustrations. There is much to find!


For me, this was the most emotional book in the series to write, so far. In thinking through the issues Cruz must face, I found myself contemplating life and death, and all the change these things brings to our lives. My dad died during the making of this book and it brought home to me the delicate and precious nature of family. My father is a big reason why I am a writer today. He was always supportive of my writing aspirations and goals and I am so glad I got to share the adventure of writing this series with him. I used to tell him all about my ideas for this book and I think he would have liked the end result!


If you'd like a signed copy of THE TIGER'S NEST, you can order one from The Neverending Bookshop. Call the store at (425) 415-1945 or email owner Annie Carl at theneverendingbookshop@gmail.com.


As always, thank you for reading. Dare to Explore!



Updated: Nov 15, 2021

I'm thrilled to share that Explorer Academy #5: The Tiger's Nest is launching in less than two weeks! Its original release date was set for October but in this crazy year, things were pushed back three months (which has felt like FOREVER!).


For pre-orders only, I'm personalizing all books ordered through The Neverending Bookshop and including an exclusive EA pin (while supplies last), so be sure and get your order in BEFORE January 5,2020 to take advantage of this offer. You can email the store at: theneverendingbookshop@gmail.com or call (425) 425-1945.


As always, thank you for supporting my work, as well as your local independent bookstores.

Happy New Year, everyone!






Wow! How fun to open my June/July Issue of National Geographic KIDS magazine to a full two-page spread of amazing art done for the Art Zone section by readers of EXPLORER ACADEMY! Wow, you are talented bunch out there and it's been terrific to see your drawings and paintings of characters from the EXPLORER ACADEMY universe.


Ever since the first book in the series, The Nebula Secret, was published, you've shared your artwork, posters, tee shirts, dioramas, and LEGO sculptures with me. You've sent links to your YouTube movie trailers, book reviews, and even re-recreations of your favorite scenes from the series. I love it all and can't thank you enough for embracing the world of EXPLORER ACADEMY. Keep sharing your fan fiction, art, videos, and more! I love seeing how EA inspires you.


Dare to Explore!

- Trudi



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