Crossword Genius

Scout in story books, small boy doing magical things (6,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

talent spotter

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'scout' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'story books small boy doing magical things' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'story' could be 'tale' (synonyms) and 'tale' is present in the answer.
'books' could be 'ot' (Old Testament) and 'ot' is located in the answer.
'small' could be 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size) and 's' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for talent spotter that I've seen before include "Show business scout" , "One looking for good new performers" , "Agent looking for the gifted" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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