James Reeves was born near London in 1909. He began his writing career as a poet in 1936, and first turned his attention to writing for young readers in 1945. His first book of poems for children, THE WANDERING MOON, appeared in 1950. It was illustrated by Edward Ardizzone and was the beginning of a lifelong friendship and collaboration.

James Reeves published nearly 30 books of poetry, stories and anthologies for both adults and children. He was also well known as a literary critic and broadcaster. He died in 1978.