Fresh off the back of her new Disney Channel show, “Gabby Duran and the Unsittables”, Valery Ortiz released her new children’s book ‘COQUÍ’. COQUÍ explores and celebrates themes of diversity and inclusion; conflating concepts of her real life experiences personified.

With Valery’s Puerto Rican heritage at the forefront, she promotes the celebration of individualism and self love. Varley’s notable works don’t stop there. She is also active with the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital and Special Needs Network, Inc. for Autistic Kids. To learn more about Valery Ortiz and her work, please read our exclusive interview below.

Where are you based?
Hi there! Thank you for having me! I am based in Los Angeles. I’ve lived there 15 years now. So crazy how quickly time flies! I feel ‘old’ saying that, haha, but still true!

What inspired you to get into acting?
Honestly, my older brother Hector. He has always been into movies and all things behind the camera. He taught himself how to edit with two VCRs pre YouTube and Google. That’s impressive! He would get inspired to do little videos or mini movies and I was the only other person available to amuse him. We had a lot of fun. Some of my favorite memories were having my cousins and my mom get involved in Hectors ‘movie’ ideas too. They would commit 100% and that actually makes me a little emotional thinking of it. People don’t realize the seemingly small things you do for or with kids at a young age that truly shape their future.

What is it like working on the set of “Gabby Duran and the Unsittables”? What’s one thing you’ve learned from working with the children and/or the aliens?
I love it! These kids are incredible. Their work ethic and energy make work a lot of fun and different every day. I am in awe of them. I often daydream of their futures and how incredible their careers will be. It’s so cheesy but I really do feel proud of them.

Jejune would love to learn a bit about your new book ‘COQUÍ’ and the ¡Hola! Hello! Series?
Thank you! I am super excited about it. I literally just got my big shipment this morning so it’s all very surreal. ‘COQUIÍ’ is the first of my ¡Hola! Hello! Bilingual children’s book series.

Can you please tell our readers what a COQUÍ is, and why you choose this character?
A Coqui is a tiny tree frog that’s native to Puerto Rico. I think they are just so cute because they’re smaller than the average thumb! They are recognized for their ‘song’ they sing at night.

What inspired you to write this bilingual children’s book series?
My love for my culture. I was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Florida. Growing up with our language, food, and traditions is something that’s a huge part of who I am. I wanted to share a piece of that with my family and future children.

Why is it important to have bilingual books?
Spanish was my first language, but now I speak better English. I hate that! Sometimes I get embarrassed and frustrated at myself when I forget certain words. But that’s my story — my journey. This series was a promise to my family and future kids that I will not let my upbringing die with me. I hope to encourage children to learn a new language and have fun doing it! It’s my love letter for everything my parents sacrificed to seek more opportunities for my brother and I.

What lessons are you implementing through your series?
Be yourself! Love yourself! Embrace everything that makes you, you!!! Everyone’s journey is different. That’s the exciting part of this beautiful life.

Where can we find ‘COQUÍ’ and the ¡Hola! Hello!?
You can find it at www.HolaHelloSeries.com

What is next in the series?
I actually flipped the order around because my old childhood friends’ kids think ‘Coquí in the City’ should be next! Watching them read the books was a huge pillar of motivation to continue this journey. The third book is called, “Mi Familia”. I start sketching illustrations in February 2020 for book number two. I can’t wait!

Can you please tell us a little bit about your work with the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital and Special Needs Network, Inc. for Autistic Kids? What got you involved with these organizations? Why are they important to you?
If it’s not already obvious, I love kids! They have a special innocence and optimistic outlook on the simple pleasures in life that I wish I could bottle up. These organizations always remind me of what’s important. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our routines and To Do list and spending time with these beautiful kids puts life into perspective. They are filled with such joy despite any challenges they may be facing.

My boyfriend’s two year old niece, Andi, passed away from AML Leukemia. Visiting the Children’s hospital in Utah, and seeing what they and organizations like Ronald McDonald House did for his family, first hand has given me an indescribable level of gratitude and respect for their mission. Because of Andi and the beautiful way his family celebrates her life, my love and dedication to children’s charities will never be the same.

With that said, I am teaming up with a new organization called SER de Puerto Rico this January. They have been bringing the latest in physical therapy and rehabilitation for children, young adults and adults with disabilities or autism. I can’t wait to tour their facilities full of unbelievable technology that helps these uplifting souls live and excel in life! What a gift!

Can you also please tell us a little bit about your work with the Best Friends Animal Society? How did you get connected with them?
I think the first time I found out about Best Friends was at a local event in LA where they had so many pets to adopt! I found out about their ‘No Kill LA’ mission and their animal sanctuary and was hooked.

Is this where you got your Yorkie?
It is not! That is why I like to talk about Best Friends, because I was once ignorant to a lot of things and the only way to make a change is learn from our mistakes. That’s not to say I don’t absolutely adore my sweet Myli but next time, I will do things differently and adopt!!

What is your life motto?
“Lo que es pa’ ti, es pa’ ti!” translation: What's for you is for you! It’s something my mom always says to me. I truly believe living life knowing no one can take what's already mine has given me so much peace chasing these crazy dreams of mine!

To learn more about Valery Ortiz and her book, please check her out via the following platforms below:
Book website: https://www.holahelloseries.com
On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Coqui-¡Hola-Hello-Valery-Ortiz/dp/1703333950/
Valery’s Instagram: @valeryortiz

Photography by Storm Santos.

Valery Ortiz: The Language And Heritage Of The Puerto Rican Experience