School time can be a wonderful time to be around friends while learning. It can also be a very difficult time to learn how to get along and behave appropriately. Here are some excellent picture books to help promote good behavior on the part of students.

Grump Groan Growl, by Bell Hooks, and illustrated by award winner Chris Raschka, is filled with emotion that, in turn, fills each page. Even though there are few words written throughout the book, the fact is evident: a child is in a very bad mood. You are never really sure why, but the fact is the mood dissipates as the child is able to let the feelings out and face them and “let it slide”. The large scrawled black words, along with watercolor wash, is immediate in conveying the mood. This book should help when children become upset.

Beatrice Doesn't Want To, by Laura Numeroff, and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger, is probably my favorite in the bunch because of the subject: books. Beatrice has an attitude problem and doesn't like books until her older brother takes her begrudgingly to the library where she is completely absorbed into reading. Beatrice ends up wanting to and so will you!

Never Tease, by Jean Conder Soule, is a reissue from back in 1964 with new illustrations by George Booth. The fun and funny rhyming of the many different animals make this an easy and enjoyable read. But the repetitive lesson of “teasing isn't nice!” is a great one.

And for help with those kids dealing with bullies, Bye-Bye, Big Bad Bullybug, by Ed Emberley, is the perfect book. The author/illustrator shows off his brilliant dye cutouts throughout and the bad bullybug shows that he's mean and scary and picks on “itty bitty baby bugs.” There are some powerful lessons to be learned here.

Would I Ever Lie to You, by Caralyn Buehner, and illustrated by Jack E. Davis, is a book that teaches you the importance of not telling tall tales. Here's another rhyming story about young Ed and his entanglement in stories that he tells others and each tale sounds quite unbelievable – or do they?

My Story of My Feelings, by Laurie Berkner, and illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church, is a toe tapping, feel good book with an accompanying CD. Ms. Beckner is an award-winning singer who teaches kids to deal with their many different feelings. The pictures and songs are sure to perk up any sad or down day.

If only kids would understand and practice manners, so many of the troubles and misunderstandings in school would dissolve away. Please is a Good Word to Say, by Barbara Joosse, and illustrated by Jennifer Plecas, is a wonderful book full of simple and easy advice of various ways to treat others nicely.

I'm Bad!, by Kate & Jim McMullan, demonstrates how sometimes we can be irritable and ornery when all we really want is: dinner! And so says a mean looking T-Rex. This dinosaur's recklessness moves from prideful arrogance to despair as he becomes more agitated with hunger.

The Boy Who Wouldn't Share, by Mike Reiss, and illustrated by David Crow, is the perfect book for those selfish children that haven't learned to give and take. Edward has so many toys and won't share any of them with his little sister. Here's a book to share with those who don't want to share and that teaches that sharing goes both ways.

The Bully From the Black Lagoon, by Mike Thaler, and illustrated by Jared Lee, is a lesson about why some kids appear to be bullies when all they really want is a friend.

Say Hello, by Jack & Michael Foreman, is a simple book with a powerful message. A lonely boy who seems to have no friends is finely befriended when he is finally invited to play. This is a very helpful book to open discussions for the new kid on the block.

Frederick Finch Loudmouth, by Tess Weaver, and illustrated by Debbie Tilley, shows how some abilities, or inabilities, can lead to disaster or success. It just depends on what you do with what you've got. This is a funny story.

Please Don't Tease Tootsie, by Margaret Chamberlain, is a helpful guide for getting along and not teasing others. It deals with pets, but you can easily relate it to children and their relationships with each other.

Thank You Bear, by Greg Foley, is a sweet story of the simple similitude of shared values and expressing gratitude. This is a sweet story to be appreciated by all.