Dr. Dawn Menge: A Champion for Literacy and Adventure
A storyteller, educator, and advocate for literacy, Dr. Dawn Menge has dedicated her life to shaping young minds through the power of words. With nearly three decades of experience teaching students with severe cognitive delays, she turned an academic assignment into a lifelong passion—creating books that inspire, educate, and entertain.
As the founder of The Land of Quails House, Dr. Menge has authored fifteen adventure-filled books, earning over 90 literary awards and 200+ film accolades. Her beloved Queen Vernita series, named in honor of her grandmother, brings real-world experiences to young readers, immersing them in different cultures, landscapes, and historical wonders. Beyond storytelling, she is expanding her impact through writing retreats and mentorship programs, helping aspiring authors transform their own experiences into compelling narratives.
Dr. Menge’s journey is not just about publishing books—it’s about spreading literacy worldwide. From attending international author retreats to donating books to underprivileged children in Ghana, her work has touched lives across the globe. Her efforts were recently recognized with the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for dedicating over 9,000 hours to volunteer service.
With exciting new projects on the horizon, including upcoming book releases and immersive writing retreats, Dr. Menge continues to leave an indelible mark on the literary world. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that stories have the power to change lives.
Early Life and Inspiration
Tell us about your early life, education, and what led you to start your business?
I have been teaching students with severe cognitive delays for almost thirty years. My author journey began as an assignment while earning my teaching credential. When I published Queen Vernita's Visitors, I named it after my grandmother and included the children in my family. The book is inspired by my adventures, family, and friends. Queen Vernita travels around the world, meeting fascinating people and learning about their local flora, fauna, and cultures.
The Land of Quails House has now grown to fifteen published books, earning over 90 literary awards and 200+ film awards. In the coming year, ten new adventure books will be published, covering locations such as Italy, Ireland, Joshua Tree, Big Sur, Oceanside, Zion, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Wrightwood.
A Unique Literary Journey
What is your business, and what makes it unique in the market?
The Land of Quails House offers adventure-filled books based on real-life experiences. Designed for PreK–6th grade readers, these stories take young minds on exciting journeys to places like Hawaii, Wyoming, and New Orleans, among others.
Beyond books, we now offer a writing program and retreats to help aspiring authors bring their experiences to life through writing.
Queen Giggles and King Teddy Bear have raised a baby dragon named Precious, who will soon embark on her own adventures in different kingdoms.
Our latest release, The Christmas Wreath, is a heartwarming romance with a touch of mystery. It will be published in March 2025.
What sets The Land of Quails House apart is its authenticity—every adventure is inspired by real experiences I have had. Additionally, we guide new authors in transforming their personal journeys into compelling stories.
Achievements and Global Impact
What is one key achievement or milestone your business has reached?
Throughout my author journey, I have had incredible experiences and opportunities to travel the world. I’ve met inspiring people globally, attended an author retreat in Italy, and participated in the EveryWomanTV awards in Ireland. Most recently, I returned from Accra and Cape Coast, Ghana, where I collaborated with Cheerful Hearts, a nonprofit organization.
I originally planned to donate books to 30 children, but over 100 showed up, all dressed in their Sunday best, eager to receive them. Seeing their excitement was heartwarming. While in Cape Coast, I delivered a Power Talk on my new writing program and connected with several teachers. As a result, I was able to send an additional 40 books to their students. Spreading literacy worldwide is incredibly fulfilling, and I’m excited to see which country my books will reach next.
In December, I traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to receive the Author All-Stars magazine award. I was also honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for completing over 9,000 hours of volunteer service. This recognition is one of the most meaningful awards I have received in recent years.
Future Goals and Upcoming Projects
What are your future goals for the business?
My goal for The Land of Quails House is to continue expanding literacy worldwide, publish more Queen Vernita’s and Queen Giggles adventures, and spread love and inspiration through animation.
Additionally, I am promoting my new writing book, designed to help novice writers define their purpose and transform life experiences into compelling stories.
We also have an upcoming writing retreat in Wrightwood at the Wrightwood Castle, scheduled for the last weekend in May. The retreat will feature exotic cuisine, hot tubbing under the stars, and creative inspiration in the mountains.
Staying Ahead in the Industry
How do you stay competitive in your industry?
By building meaningful relationships with my readers and networking with like-minded, quality-driven individuals.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Starting your own business requires a clear vision, strong purpose, and a solid plan. Success comes when you stay focused on your goals and understand the community you are serving.
It takes effort, but the rewards are immeasurable—many of which you won’t even realize until you meet the people whose lives you’ve truly impacted.
Conclusion
Dr. Dawn Menge’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From transforming a simple classroom assignment into an award-winning literary empire to inspiring young minds across the world, she continues to break new ground in children's literature and literacy advocacy. Through The Land of Quails House, she not only brings adventure to life but also empowers aspiring writers to share their own stories.
As she looks ahead, Dr. Menge remains committed to expanding her global impact—whether through publishing more immersive adventures, hosting writing retreats, or fostering a love for storytelling in future generations. Her mission is clear: to spread literacy, ignite imaginations, and create a world where stories connect and inspire.
Her remarkable contributions prove that storytelling is more than just words on a page, it is a bridge to new possibilities, knowledge, and dreams.
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