Dr. Dawn Menge
CEO – Land of Quails House LLC
Spreading Literacy, Empowerment, and Imagination Across the Globe
Dr. Dawn Menge is not only an educator of nearly three decades but also a multi-award-winning author and global literacy advocate whose work continues to shape lives far beyond the classroom. As the CEO of Land of Quails House LLC, she has built an extraordinary legacy through her beloved Queen Vernita’s Educational Series, a collection of children’s books that blend learning with adventure, cultural awareness, and compassion.
From Classroom Assignment to Global Book Series
Dawn’s author journey began humbly—as part of a math course assignment while she was working toward her credential in Moderate/Severe Disabilities. The first book, Queen Victoria’s Visitors, incorporated her students and introduced essential calendar skills, including months of the year, days of the week, and seasons.
Supported by a grant from Cal Poly, she and her students toured elementary schools in California’s High Desert, performing skits and engaging with local children. When she decided to publish the book, Dawn renamed the queen after her grandmother, Vernita, weaving family members into the storyline. The book went on to win first place in the EVVY Awards, and when interviewers asked, “What’s next?” Dawn leaned into her love of travel—and so the Queen Vernita’s Visitors series was born. Today, the series boasts 16 published books with another 10 in production, captivating readers from PreK through sixth grade.
Milestones That Truly Matter
For Dawn, achievements are measured not just in awards but in lives touched. She recalls one particularly powerful story shared by a fellow teacher, Mr. Branson, who works with immigrant families learning English.
One of his students, Jane, arrived in the U.S. knowing only a handful of English words. Through consistent practice using Queen Vernita books, Jane gradually built her vocabulary. She eventually gained the confidence to read Queen Vernita Visits the Blue Ice Mountains—a milestone that once seemed impossible to her.
“Your books have really given Jane the confidence to take on reading her first English-language pages,” Mr. Branson shared.
For Dawn, these are the victories that matter most—moments where literature becomes a bridge to confidence, opportunity, and new beginnings.
A Mission Rooted in Literacy and Love
The mission of Land of Quails House LLC is simple yet powerful: to spread literacy across the globe. Through her books, Dawn brings stories filled with friendship, exploration, and family love to children everywhere.
Her stories are unique in that they are grounded in real-life adventures and real people. This authenticity resonates with readers, sparking curiosity and inspiring children to imagine their own journeys. The books are particularly impactful for ESL and emerging readers, offering accessible, engaging pathways into language and storytelling.
Beyond publishing, Land of Quails House also offers 1:1 coaching and retreats to help aspiring authors transform their personal experiences into meaningful stories.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Like many leaders balancing multiple roles, Dawn has faced challenges managing the demands of a full-time teaching career, raising her family, and scaling a global literacy movement.
The solution, she says, has been prioritization. Learning to align short-term tasks with long-term vision allowed her to keep moving forward despite competing responsibilities. Her journey demonstrates that resilience and clarity of purpose are essential for anyone seeking to build lasting impact.
Awards and Global Recognition
Dr. Dawn Menge’s literary and educational contributions have earned her recognition worldwide. She has won 90 international literacy awards and 200+ film festival awards for her Queen Vernita’s Educational Series and Queen Giggles’ Kingdom.
Her accolades include:
– Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
– Special Recognition Champion Award – Conquering Disabilities with Film
– Best Written Word Award – Miracle Makers Film
– Hollywood Dreams Film Award
– San Diego Kids Film Festival – Featured Screenplay
– International Author Boss Award – Power Conversations Magazine
– Named among Success Magazine’s 2023 Women of Influence
Her scholarly contributions include research on special education, notably The Six Federal Individual Education Plan Goals and the Effectiveness of Their Implementation in Preparing for Transition.
Inspiring Writers and Educators of Tomorrow
Dawn advises aspiring professionals to immerse themselves in their field by joining professional organizations, attending conferences, and seeking continuous learning.
Her own career is a testament to this philosophy—proof that dedication, community engagement, and openness to learning can spark both personal and professional transformation.
Current and Upcoming Projects
Land of Quails House continues to expand its global footprint. Current initiatives include a book drive for Community Primary School Umuguma Global Nursery in Nigeria, where children ages 3–13 will gain access to literature that both entertains and educates.
At the same time, Dawn is preparing three new titles set in Italy, Ireland, and Joshua Tree, slated for release in early 2026. Future books will take young readers to destinations including the Grand Canyon, Africa, London, Scotland, Zion, Oceanside, and Wrightwood—each rooted in real adventures and cultural exploration.
Vision for the Future
For Dawn, success is not measured by accolades but by the ripple effect of her work. Whether it is an immigrant child gaining the courage to read, a young student finding joy in language, or an aspiring author discovering their own voice, the impact of her mission is deeply human.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that literacy is more than a skill—it is a gateway to opportunity, empowerment, and imagination. Through Land of Quails House, Dr. Dawn Menge is proving that when stories are created with love, they can change lives across generations and borders.