NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — Children at Noble Crossing Elementary School are learning valuable lessons thanks to a book by a local police officer that centers around his pet bearded dragon, Moochie.
"In an effort to connect with students and to build relationships, I have a bearded dragon, named Moochie. I bring him to school with me every day," said Officer Mike Hargrove, a resource officer for Noblesville Schools.
Students love getting to see Moochie during school.
"Moochie is a celebrity now here. Everyone knows Moochie," said Noble Crossing Elementary School Principal Renee Cook.
Moochie is not only a beloved pet, he is also the protagonist of Officer Hargrove's children's book Moochie Has Big Feelings.
"No big surprise, having a bearded dragon lizard at school is a pretty big hit. He was the inspiration for the books, Moochie Has Big Feelings," said Officer Hargrove. "It's just to help kids navigate having big emotions maybe getting angry or feeling scared and things like that."
The book, now on sale on Amazon, has resonated with students.
"It's so fun to you know see our students really connect with that and I think it makes, you know, Officer Mike is so approachable but it just even builds that rapport and that approachability too, which is huge," said Cook.
"I've been a police officer for almost 18 years, I've been a SWAT officer, I've worked patrol, I was a detective recently, now I'm in the schools," said Officer Hargrove. "I never imagined that I would be here writing a book or having a lizard and bringing him to school but I love it and it's probably the greatest position I've ever had before. "