James Reeves brought a poet's imagination and a scholar's seriousness to his writing for children. Respected as a critic, educator, and scholar, he achieved an honorable reputation as an author for both adults and children. Frequently compared with Walter de la Mare's work, Reeves's prose and poetry for children exemplify a wide knowledge of traditional forms and folktale themes, a love of nonsense and whimsy, and an understanding of the musical and rhythmic capacities of the English language.

Reeves was born in the London suburb of Harrow-on-the-Hill to Albert John and Ethel Mary Reeves and soon moved with his parents to the more rural environment of Buckinghamshire. He was educated at Stowe School, Buckinghamshire, then at Jesus College, Cambridge University, where he received his M.A. in English language and literature. He married Mary Phillips in 1936 and had three children: Stella, Juliet Mary, and Gareth Edward.

Reeves taught...