These books, and a set of Magic Tree House tales on DVD, make fantastic teacher, librarian or school friend gifts that the whole class can enjoy.

"Rocket Writes a Story" by Tad Hill; Schwarz & Wade; 32 pages; $17.99.

Teachers often struggle with ways to encourage students to write. This fun follow-up to "How Rocket Learned to Read" stars the inquisitive dog who loves books and words. Here, his teacher, the little yellow bird, encourages him to sniff out new words, which he brings back to his outdoor classroom to write down. After the pair collects a plethora of new words in a tree, they decide to write a story using them.

Youngsters will relate to the spunky dog who announces his plans to write a story to other dogs, a tree, even a butterfly. But when it's time to write, he draws a blank. Luckily, the little yellow bird teacher knows how to inspire ideas and eventually, Rocket succeeds.

Teachers will appreciate the prompting tips and writing encouragement for their young students, while the kids will enjoy the happy way author Hills celebrates the power of learning.

"The Magic School Bus: The Complete Series" from Scholastic; $79.

All 52 episodes of this popular animated educational classic are now available on DVD. This all-encompassing set includes eight DVDs, a 24-page activity booklet and parents' guide, resulting in a rip-roaring field trip in every episode. The personable Ms. Frizzle and the lively school bus take their enthusiastic students into space, back to prehistoric times and even inside the human body, all while imparting zesty, relatable science education.

A smart gift for teachers, too, "The Magic School Bus: The Complete Series" is award-winning, educational entertainment, (22 hours plus extras), for kids ages 4 to 10. There's also a Spanish-speaking option on each DVD.

"National Geographic Kids Almanac 2013" from National Geographic; 352 pages; $13.99.

Every kid needs an almanac, and this lively, modern, colorful one fits the bill on every subject. Paperback and perfectly tote-able, this New York Times bestseller aims high on the fun factor, with awe-inspiring photos and "make 'em say wow" facts, lists, activities and charts.

One quirky page spread showcases artists' designer cakes made to look like a giraffe, a drum, even a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. Don't worry that the book is all goofy fun, though; contents include "Amazing Animals," "Awesome Adventure," "Culture Connection, "Super Science," "Wonders of Nature," "Going Green," "History Happens" and "Geography Rocks."

"Return of the Library Dragon" by Carmen Agra Deedy; illustrated by Michael P. White; Peachtree Publishers; 32 pages; $16.95.

This pro-book tale touches on a subject many of us are concerned with — the possibility that electronic learning may overtake real books. In this quirky fun follow-up to "The Library Dragon," beloved librarian Miss Lotty and the dragon that guards the books decides to retire. But disaster strikes when high-tech enthusiast Mike Krochip arrives, with cartons of flashy McPods, threatening to put all the real books into storage.

Miss Lotty is not happy, and neither is the smoking mad Library Dragon. They battle it out with wits (and the dragon's strong stomach) until everyone agrees the kids need a library where they can unplug, for the love of books.

Every library needs a copy of this appealing, important picture book, especially while dealing with students with iPods and cell phones. Magical endpapers are peppered with book love quotes from famous artists and writers.

"Because You Are My Teacher" by Sherry Noth; illustrated by Marcellus Hall; Abrams Books; 32 pages; $16.95.

Kids benefit from holding their teachers in high esteem. This lovely picture book introduces a caring teacher who will stop at nothing to show her students the wonders of the world. She begins by introducing the seven continents — "If we had a rocket we would study Earth from space. With seven sprawling continents, our home is quite a place"— then takes the class soaring over the Great Wall of China in a hot air balloon to hang gliding in the Australian outback.

With softly colored, happy illustrations, "Because You Are My Teacher" makes a lovely introduction to teachers and also a fabulous teacher gift. It also reminds young children that teachers are caring, good people who want the best for their classes.

"My Teacher" by James Ransome; Dial Books for Young Readers; 32 pages; $16.99.

Another beloved, esteemed teacher stars in Ransome's caring book. This older teacher encourages her students to be writers, draws pictures of different kinds of families when one girl is upset over her parents' divorce, and even teaches the kids jazz music and how to dance the Lindy hop. She enacts food drives and tells inspiring stories of past students, all while empowering, educating, and above all, caring about the children.

Another lovely end-of-school-year teacher gift, "My Teacher" reminds readers that a great teacher is the best gift of all.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.