Gratified-
There were all sorts of levels of surprise with the field guides. First, that he could read them, then that he could use them appropriately to identify specimens, and then third, that he actually remembered data from the book so that when DH brought home a "pretty seashell" from a business trip, DS saw it (it was not a type we already had) and immediately identified it without opening the guide. He may have been three at that point, but I am not sure.
My son is pretty well rounded, but I'd say that science is an enduring passion. How about your field guide kid?
