Derek Valance, a lifelong Glen Cove native, police officer and former Navy SEAL, can now add published children’s author to his list of accomplishments.
Valance, 36, recently released his debut children’s book, “Through the Eyes of a Bear,” which follows a bear on an adventure that teaches young readers about curiosity, courage and the natural world.
He said the idea came to him when he was in high school, but that he wasn’t really driven to pursue publishing it at the time.
“When you’re a kid in high school you don’t really think about that stuff,” he said. “So, I didn’t do anything with it. Time went by and life went on.”
Eventually, he found time to spare between leaving the Navy and beginning a career in law enforcement, and decided to revisit the concept.
Valance said he set out to write the story in the kind of voice children are typically read to.
“So I started writing it in that sense, and it came somewhat naturally to me,” he said.
He got cracking and began researching different animals and their character traits. Out of all the animals he considered, Valance said that the bear felt the most relatable.
“I liked the bear because it’s independent and strong, but also cuddly and approachable,” he said. “Kids can connect with it, and parents have no problem sharing it with them.”
Bringing the book to fruition required persistence and a lot of help. After going through the process of getting it copyrighted and edited, he was able to secure a publisher and worked with an illustrator to bring his vision to life.
The motivation, he said, was simple — stop putting things off.
“I told myself if I didn’t do it now, I might never do it,” he said. “Tomorrow never actually comes. It’s always today.”
In celebration of his book’s official launch, Valance held a book signing at The Shoppe by Trubee Hill in downtown Glen Cove, on Nov. 18, where he sold 99 copies. The store’s owners, Ian and Adam Siegel, helped promote the event and continue to carry the book.
Valance said his first book is dedicated to his mother, Jean Anne, whom he describes as a “ray of sunshine,” and that he plans on dedicating his next book to his father, who died nearly 10 years ago.
“I learned a lot about these animals while writing, and I thought it would be fun for kids to learn too,” he said.
Before becoming a children’s book author and police officer, Valance spent eight years as a Navy SEAL, during which he was stationed around the world — from Switzerland to Somalia, Italy to Cameroon.
“Seeing the world was one of the main reasons I joined the Navy,” he said.
He transitioned directly into law enforcement at the end of 2019, grateful to begin a stable career without a gap between paychecks. Although he valued his time in the Navy, he said it wasn’t a lifestyle conducive to starting a family.
Back in Glen Cove, everything began to fall into place. He is now engaged and living in the house where he grew up, with family nearby — including his brother Owen, who followed him into both the Navy and the police force and now lives just up the street.
Valance has also been recognized for his service and leadership.
In February 2024, he received the Tribute & Honor Foundation’s Impact Award for his contributions to both country and community.
He and Owen have twice completed a 22-mile kayak journey across Long Island Sound to raise funds for veterans and first responders. He has also been formally recognized by the New York State Senate and continues to mentor young people, veterans and first responders.
In addition to writing and policing, Valance returned to school to pursue a master’s degree in psychology and a mental health counselor license. He hopes to specialize in trauma therapy for veterans, first responders and others coping with high-stress experiences.
Valance already has plans for a follow-up book, which will focus on either a pigeon or a wolf. “I want to keep exploring animals that kids see every day, or maybe a creature they wouldn’t expect,” he said. “The goal is to make learning about the world fun and engaging.”
Through his book, Valance said he hopes to inspire children to stay curious, embrace learning and find courage in their own lives.
To learn more about Valance and his new children’s book, “Through the Eyes of a Bear” visit DerekValanceBooks.com.
