A Future Author?

"Mommy, ask the truck if he's doing a good job," says Elliot making whooshing noises as he piles asphalt- and sand-colored Playdough into his a dump truck. I obliged, and asked the question.

"Yes, I am doing a good job, said the dump truck," responded Elliot.

Especially lately, Elliot constantly narrates what he's doing as he plays. I think that's fairly common among preschoolers. What may be less standard is the way he assigns dialogue to different objects as though he's reading a book. "Said the truck" and "said Mickey Mouse" are commonly heard around the house while my baby plays. And, he'll sometimes ask Leo questions and then respond for his feline friend, a la, "Yes, I would like more food, said Leo Kitty."

That's why I sometimes think we may be watching a future author at work. Or maybe it's hopeful thinking...since Tim and I are both writers.

Another sign we may have a budding book-writer on our hands is that Elliot loves books and "reads" often. Sometimes, we put him to bed only to notice his light on an hour later. Guess what he's doing late at night (or late for a preschooler)? Sitting in his bed, perusing a book!

Of course, my three-year-old cannot really read. But, he has memorized a remarkable number of books and he always recites the appropriate words with the right pictures and turns the pages when he should. Recently, I was shocked to discover that he'd memorized a fairly long library book after hearing it about 10 times. I certainly don't know the story of "Little Nutbrown Hare" word for word!

Naturally, I would never presume to guess what sort of career path Elliot will take many years down the road. Based on his current areas of interest, it could also be Zamboni driver, "apple pie soup" maker or housecleaner. But, if he does eventually decide to write -- either for fun or for money -- I won't be disappointed.