You have 20 minutes before class, no money for coffee, no stomach for another go at the textbook...you're all alone! Your computer stares at you, beckoning. "Yes! Surf's up!" But just as quickly as your spirits soar, they come crashing down when you realize 20 minutes will get you nowhere on the Internet. Don't despair, my fellow user. In fact, don't waste another minute, but hang ten at this address:

No, this is not the home page for paparazzi pursuing celebrities, nor is it the place to find out if Baskin Robbins has added any new flavors. It is, however, a site to sample the flavors of children's books.

What we have here at The Scoop is a Web site devoted to the review of some of the latest publications of children's literature. Take a glance at the home page. There is nothing fancy here. Icons for a few awards grace the top of the page. Impressive and reassuring, no doubt. On the next page, which loads automatically, readers find a list of links to the various sections within the site.

The first link gets you to the current issue of The Scoop electronic magazine, where you can read about the re-release of the classic children's book Goodnight Moon. The magazine is published quarterly, and includes attractive photos of children's books accompanied by reviewers' comments. Some of the reviews include information about the authors or illustrators. Currently, there is an interview with the author of the Redwall series, Brian Jacques. At the bottom of the magazine page you're given a choice to go on to the next page or go home. Get back to the home page because there's more.

The Library link allows you to access reviews going back to 1994. I also scored big on the Favorite Links link, which brings you to "The Scoop Resource Page." There I ran across a site from University of Calgary, authored by David K. Brown. This librarian has a passion for anything related to children's literature. He provides what looks to be valuable information on professional journals, research related to literacy, reviews of children's books, reviews of movies based on children's books, and more. I will be spending some serious time in Calgary!

For the educator with practical application needs, there is a For Educators link. Here you'll get helpful advice on curriculum materials and books for use in the classroom.

The authors of The Scoop have made attempts to take advantage of the electronic medium. Their Reading Adventure page is an interesting use of the net. Here young readers get to "choose their own adventure." I would have liked to have seen more done with this. How about letting kids log on and contribute their versions of how the story might end? The authors of this site include a feedback form, where you can type your comments and suggestions about the site in general. Why not encourage young authors to type in their own stories here? Later, some of the better ones could find their way onto the Web site!

If your 20 minutes has expired, be sure to add this URL to your list of bookmarks. You're going to want to ride this one again next time surf's up.

Note: The site is currently under construction, so some of the information in this review may change.