Over four years in the making, The Incredible Rumble in the Jungle by author Richard Lam, blends fast-paced excitement with timeless life lessons about gratitude, perseverance, and believing in yourself. Guided by his experiences as a father and inspired by the laughter and feedback of his own family, Lam has created a story that speaks to both children and parents alike.
In this interview, Richard shares how a single night’s writing sprint for his daughter’s eighth birthday turned into a published book, the importance of weaving values naturally into storytelling, and why he proudly calls himself “The Luckiest Man in the Universe.”
The Incredible Rumble in the Jungle began as a bedtime story for your daughter. What was that very first version like, and how did it evolve into a published book?
The very first version of The Incredible Rumble in the Jungle was just 13 chapters. I actually pulled an all-nighter to finish it in time for my daughter’s 8th birthday so I could print it out and let her and her eight older cousins read it at the party.
At the end of the story, I included a feedback page for them to fill out. As an incentive, I promised that if I ever decided to self-publish the book, I’d include their names in it—but only if they gave me feedback! Needless to say, every one of them did.
Their responses were so encouraging and insightful. They loved the story but also gave great suggestions. One of my nephews mentioned that the ending felt too abrupt, so I expanded the story to 20 chapters—adding more twists, turns, and suspense.
And I have to give a lot of credit to my editor, Helen Davies. She helped refine the pacing, strengthen the flow, and fill in the little gaps that made the story even more engaging. What started as a simple bedtime story for my daughter grew into something much bigger—something we could all be proud of.
You’ve said the story was meant to teach virtues like gratitude, perseverance, kindness, and courage. How do you balance those lessons with keeping the story exciting and fun for kids?
Each chapter builds a sense of suspense and excitement leading up to the climax, but every step along the way also carries a meaningful lesson. I weave in the virtues—like gratitude, perseverance, kindness, and courage—through the characters’ choices and interactions rather than preaching them outright.
I make sure the main characters truly care about one another, and that comes through in their dialogue and teamwork. And of course, I add plenty of humor to keep things light and fun. I want kids to laugh, cheer, and feel inspired all at once—because that’s when the lessons really stick.
Many children’s authors draw inspiration from their own families. How has being a father influenced the way you write and what you choose to write about?
Being a father has deeply shaped the way I write. It made me reflect on my own relationship with my dad and the lessons he passed down to me. He did the best he could with what he had, and I wanted to carry forward the most meaningful lessons I learned—ones I know will help my daughter as she grows.
When I write, I do it with purpose and clarity, always thinking about how the story can resonate not just with her, but with all children. I often draw from real teaching moments we’ve shared, weaving those lessons into the story in a natural, heartfelt way. That’s what makes The Incredible Rumble in the Jungle so personal to me. It’s not just a story—it’s a legacy of love, wisdom, and wonder that I hope will feel like a modern-day fable.
What do you hope kids feel or take away when they finish reading this story — and what do you hope parents notice when reading it with them?
When kids finish reading The Incredible Rumble in the Jungle, I hope they feel uplifted and proud of the courage, kindness, and perseverance they see in the characters—and in themselves. I want them to realize that bravery isn’t the absence of fear; it’s choosing to move forward with heart, even when things get tough.
For parents, I hope they notice the deeper layers woven into the adventure—the moments of teamwork, empathy, and self-belief—and see how naturally those values unfold through the story. My dream is that it sparks meaningful conversations at home, where families talk about gratitude, courage, and what it means to never give up on yourself or your friends.
You describe yourself as “The Luckiest Man in the Universe.” How does that philosophy shape the way you approach storytelling and life?
When I call myself The Luckiest Man in the Universe, it’s not because everything has gone my way—it’s because I’ve learned to find meaning, growth, and grace in everything that’s happened. That philosophy shapes both my life and my storytelling.
In my stories, luck isn’t random—it’s something we create through gratitude, perseverance, and the choices we make when life tests us. I want my readers, especially kids, to see that even setbacks can become stepping stones if you face them with courage and heart.
In life, I live by that same belief: that the universe is always responding to how we think, feel, and act. So I write and live with purpose, joy, and an unshakable faith that every challenge is secretly a blessing in disguise. That’s what being ‘The Luckiest Man in the Universe’ truly means to me.
The illustrations and tone of your book are very lively and imaginative. How involved were you in shaping the visual direction of the story?
Most of the credit belongs to the late illustrator, Veronika Hipolito. She had a remarkable gift for understanding the heart of the story and turning my written descriptions into vivid, unforgettable scenes. I tried to be as descriptive as possible with each chapter, but she had this amazing ability to take my ideas and make them even more alive—almost as if she could read my mind.
There were a few moments I asked for more detail or accuracy, and she always captured exactly what I envisioned—and more. Her artwork didn’t just complement the story; it elevated it. I wanted the illustrations to highlight the most meaningful moments and lessons so that they’d stay with readers long after they finished the book, and Veronika with the help of illustrator Ike Pintor accomplished that beautifully.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
The book took about four and a half years to complete—from that very first night when my then seven-year-old daughter asked me to make up a bedtime story, all the way to publication. It was such a meaningful journey, especially because she was part of it every step of the way. Her ideas, feedback, and excitement kept me inspired through the entire process.
It’s an experience I’ll cherish forever. More than anything, I wanted to show her that when you have an idea you believe in and feel passionate about, you should see it through—and give it everything you’ve got. That’s the lesson I hope she, and every reader, takes away.
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