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Rules of the Park: A Graphic Novel
Rules help Riley make sense of the world.When Riley arrives at a seaside caravan park, they write down everything that matters:
no littering, protect the dunes, no ball games near the vans.
But not everyone follows the rules.
As Riley watches kids ignore signs and break boundaries, their sense of justice kicks in. Should they speak up? Should they fix the problem themselves? Or is there another way to make things right?
Rules of the Park is a gentle, visually rich graphic novel about justice sensitivity, environmental care, and finding where you belong — even when the world feels loud and unfair.
Perfect for readers aged 9–12 who love thoughtful stories about friendship, feelings, and doing the right thing.
Tropes You'll Love
- Rule-following protagonist
- Justice-sensitive main character
- Small moments, big feelings
- Environmental care & respect for place
- Quiet courage
- Choosing empathy over control
- Finding belonging in unfamiliar spaces
Behind the Story
Rules of the Park grew out of my interest in justice-sensitive kids — children who feel deeply when rules are broken or when something seems unfair, even if others don’t notice or mind.
Caravan parks are places full of invisible rules: signs half-followed, boundaries half-respected, and expectations that aren’t always spoken aloud. I wanted to explore what it feels like to arrive somewhere new, cling to rules for safety, and then realise that people don’t always behave the way you expect — or the way you would.
This story isn’t about being right or wrong. It’s about learning when to speak up, when to let go, and how to care for a place and its people without carrying the whole responsibility yourself.
I wrote Rules of the Park as a gentle graphic novel — one that gives space for quiet observation, big emotions, and thoughtful problem-solving.
Read a Sample
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Buy BookAbout the Author
Renee Conoulty is an Australian author based in Gippsland, Victoria, writing books with humour and heart for all ages. She writes picture books, graphic novels, and chapter books that centre thoughtful characters, emotional literacy, and small acts of kindness. As a regular at local markets, Renee is inspired by conversations with young readers and the way children see — and question — the world around them.
Title: Rules of the Park
Author: Renee Conoulty
Release Date: March 2026
Genre: Children’s Graphic Novel / Contemporary Fiction
Themes: Justice sensitivity, Environmental care, Fairness and responsibility, Emotional regulation, Finding belonging, Gentle problem-solving
Setting: An Australian seaside caravan park
Target Age: 9–12 years (Upper Primary / Middle Grade)
Format: Paperback & Kindle eBook (Graphic Novel with Guided View)
Availability: Available in Paperback and Kindle eBook via Amazon
Summary for Search:
A gentle Australian graphic novel about a justice-sensitive child navigating rules, fairness, and environmental responsibility in a seaside caravan park. Perfect for readers aged 9–12 who enjoy thoughtful, emotionally rich stories.