Quote voice

Thomas has started speaking in a special GROWLY VOICE when he wants to convey that he's quoting something. Examples: "I say GIVE ME THAT CRACKER." "Elephant says GOD DAMN IT, Piggie says GOD DAMN IT."

I think he's confused about written versus spoken language conventions. I remember having a similar problem when I was a year or two older than he is now -- I didn't realize that you don't have to say "...said Augusta" when you're actually talking, and ended several sentences with "said Augusta" before someone pointed out my mistake. I was chagrined.