Preorders open now
How Do You Save a Baby Giraffe?
The wonderful true story of Milani — and the people who refused to give up on her. Reserve one of the first signed copies before the book arrives this December.
100
signed first editions
100
gift boxes
Dec 10
estimated shipping
Signed by the author
Every first edition includes
a reproduction of Milani's
real hoofprint "signature."
Milani's story is still making its way from sketchbook to bookshelf.
When you preorder, you'll get updates from behind the scenes as the illustrations are completed, the pages are laid out, the book heads to the printer, and finally, the finished books make their way home. Because this is a preorder, December 10 is an estimated shipping date rather than a guaranteed delivery date.
Two ways to bring Milani home
Both editions ship (or are ready for pickup) in mid-December, and both are limited to the first print run.
How Do You Save A Baby Giraffe?
$18.95
Limited Edition Gift Box
$69.95
What happens after you preorder?
We'll keep you posted, every step of the way.
1
Illustrations complete
Anastasia, our illustrator, will work to complete the sketches, add color, and make suggested edits.
2
Layout finished
Clay at Swing High Books creates the layout for the book, adding text on page, formatting the pages and endsheets. Making the magic happen.
3
Goes to the printer
The finished book heads to production. This is where the book comes to life for the first time on the page. The smell of the ink, the whirr of the printters.
4
Leaves the printer
Copies are boxed and on their way to us in Kansas. We'll be ready with boxes, Milani stickers, Milani plush, and our markers so we can sign your copies for you.
5
Ships / pickup opens
The team at Tanganyika will work to pack and ship all the orders. Working assembly line style, LynnLee will sign, and then we'll pack, label, and ship them to you!
Local pickup
Three pickup options
Tanganyika Wildlife Park (available once books arrive), plus local delivery/pickup in Anthony and Harper, Kansas. Choose pickup at checkout to skip the $20 shipping charge.
Shipping
Flat-rate, per order
A flat $20 shipping and handling charge applies once per order, not per item — so a signed edition and a gift box in the same order still ship for $20 total.
International orders
Shipping to Kansas only
Need it shipped internationally? This site doesn't offer international shipping — international orders will be available through Tanganyika Wildlife Park (link coming soon once their preorder page is live).
Join the field notes.
Occasional updates on both books, zoo life, and
the animals behind the stories — no more than
once or twice a month.
© 2026 LynnLee Schmidt. All rights reserved.
LynnLee Schmidt
LynnLee Schmidt is a zookeeper-turned-author whose work bridges wildlife, history, and human resilience. Drawing from her career in marketing, animal care, and leadership development, LynnLee writes emotionally rich historical fiction that explores grief, courage, and conservation.
Her debut novel, Operation Okapi, intertwines two timelines — 1920s Congo and 1960s post-colonial unrest — centering on the okapi and the people who risk everything to protect it.
When she's not writing or leading the team at Tanganyika Wildlife Park, LynnLee mentors animal care professionals through her platform, Animals Amplified. She lives in the Midwest with her family, surrounded by animals, coffee mugs, and big ideas.
© 2026 LynnLee Schmidt. All rights reserved.
© 2026 LynnLee Schmidt. All rights reserved.