The Way to Write for Cave Men

Remember that very small children are the equivalent of Stone Age Man. Since they cannot yet read for themselves--or are just on the brink--they need the texts they hear to be immediately memorable, so that, when they are alone in cot or playpen, they can summon up the pleasure once more for themselves. Rhythmic words have a remarkably solacing effect in trouble, too.

~Joan Aiken, The Way to Write for Children: An Introduction to the Craft of Writing Children's Literature by an Award-Winning Author (St. Martin's Press)