The Coral Island : A Tale of the Pacific Ocean

Robert Michael Ballantyne (1824–1895) was a Scottish-born author of children’s literature. Born in Edinburgh to a family of famous printers and publishers, Ballantyne grew up with a love for writing. After spending six years in Canada working for the Hudson’s Bay Company, he returned to Scotland and worked for the publisher Messrs Constable. In 1856 Ballantyne gave up business for the profession of literature and began writing the series of adventure stories for the young with which his name is popularly associated. He published his first book, Hudson’s Bay, in 1858, and went on to publish over a hundred books for children.

Jim Hodges began reading aloud in the second grade with a stirring rendition of Dick and Jane. He continued to volunteer to speak throughout his schooling years, performed as a newscaster while in the Navy, and participated in community theater groups. His wife, Monica, once asked what his dream job would be. He answered, “I’d record books.” And so began Jim Hodges Audio Books, producing unabridged recordings of the G. A. Henty historical novels, children’s books, Overtly Christian titles, and classic literature.