Port of Long Beach Debuts Children's Book on Going Green

The new book 'Soleil the Sea Lion Explores the Green Port' aims to teach young readers about environmental changes at the port.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Port of Long Beach has released a new children's book called 'Soleil the Sea Lion Explores the Green Port' that debuted this week during Read Across America Week. The book, written by the port's media relations manager and illustrated by a local artist, tells the story of environmental improvements at the port, including a 60% increase in marine species since 2000 and reductions in air pollution over the past two decades, even as cargo traffic has grown 44%. The goal is to help young residents understand how changes at the port affect the local community.

Why it matters

The Port of Long Beach is one of the busiest ports in the nation, handling over $300 billion in annual trade. As the port has grown, it has also made significant environmental improvements, partnering with the neighboring Port of Los Angeles on sustainability initiatives. This new children's book aims to educate the local community, especially young readers, about these green efforts and how they impact the surrounding area.

The details

The book, titled 'Soleil the Sea Lion Explores the Green Port', was written by Port of Long Beach media relations manager Art Marroquin and illustrated by local artist Michelle Dinh. It tells the story of a fictional sea lion living amid the changes taking place at the port. The port produced 2,500 copies of the book to distribute to Long Beach Unified School District elementary and K-8 campuses, with Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog editions in development to reflect the city's diverse families.

  • The book had its official public launch on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • Copies of the book were distributed to Long Beach Unified School District schools during Read Across America Week.

The players

Port of Long Beach

One of the nation's busiest ports, handling more than $300 billion in annual trade. The port is also known for its environmental initiatives, including a 60% increase in marine species since 2000 and reductions in air pollution over the past two decades.

Art Marroquin

The media relations manager at the Port of Long Beach and the author of the new children's book 'Soleil the Sea Lion Explores the Green Port'.

Michelle Dinh

A local artist who illustrated the new Port of Long Beach children's book 'Soleil the Sea Lion Explores the Green Port'.

Jill Baker

The superintendent of the Long Beach Unified School District, who spoke at the book's unveiling.

Katrina Hernandez

The principal of Birney Elementary School, who spoke at the book's unveiling.

Noel Hacegaba

The CEO of the Port of Long Beach, who spoke at the book's unveiling.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Copies of the book will be available in school libraries across the Long Beach Unified School District.

The takeaway

This new children's book from the Port of Long Beach aims to educate young readers about the port's environmental efforts and how they impact the local community. By making the book available in schools, the port hopes to foster a greater understanding of sustainability and green initiatives among the next generation.