Sunflower Tanka, edited by Robbie Cheadle and Colleen M. Chesebro, is an annual anthology showcasing contemporary tanka, tanka prose, and experimental tanka. Each volume brings together a vibrant tapestry of voices—both emerging and established—from across the globe.
For 2025, our theme “Dreams” invites poets to explore the symbolic language of dreaming, where metaphors blur the line between reality and imagination. Dreams often serve as gateways to layered meaning, offering fertile ground for syllabic poetry.
This year’s contributors journeyed deep into their dreamscapes, opening portals to boundless creativity. Through the timeless form of syllabic verse, they captured visions that transcend waking life, weaving poetry that resonates with mystery, wonder, and the infinite possibilities of the human imagination.
REVIEW
Sunflower Tanka 2025 anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose and Experimental Tanka begins with an introduction and a short explanation of the different forms of poetry included in this collection: Tanka, Tanka Prose, Bussokuseki, (a new form for me to try,) Rensaku, Experimental Tanka, Garland Tanka, Tanka Puente, and Taiga! The topic is dreams. And what dreams they are for poets to indulge their creative juices in! Resulting in such a range of marvellous interpretations. You’ll find poems from a wide variety of international poets to connect with. There are 54 poets in the 2025 anthology! It is lovingly compiled by the contributing editors, Robbie Cheadle and Colleen Chesebro with a short analysis of their favourite poems at the end.It’s a delightful collection and a great introduction to new poets to enjoy as well as old favourites to return to again. I bought a paperback copy. What a treat.
There’s mystery, intrigue, and murder, all set against a backdrop of well written sci-fi.
Carlos Dayne from Balash is down on his luck.
He discovers a body in a dumpster and, seeing an opportunity to reinvent himself, he takes over the identity of the wealthy deceased Playboy Dominik Lind.
He has to get to grips with a lot!
Including pretending to be the boyfriend of Dominik’s fiery girlfriend, Ms Tyleah Nash.
On the planet Jallico – known for its chauvinistic, outdated attitudes, – he becomes the ‘new,’ Dominik.
Soon it becomes apparent that there is much more to Dominik & the other players in this well-crafted and plotted sci-fi tale with its extraordinary flights into imaginative orbit.
Who has murderous intentions?
Can Carlos become Dominik and survive to walk away? And what dangers will he be vulnerable to by doing so?
Lots of twists and revelations along the way, up until the final unexpected scene.
Richard Dee is from Brixham in Devon. Leaving school at 16 he briefly worked in a supermarket, then he went to sea and travelled the world in the Merchant Navy, qualifying as a Master Mariner in 1986. He has also worked as an Insurance Surveyor, Lockmaster, Harbourmaster and Ship’s Pilot, taking over 3,500 vessels up and down the Thames, passing through the estuary, the Thames Barrier and Tower Bridge. Since the publication of his first Science Fiction novel, Freefall, in 2013, Richard has written another twenty-seven novels, a textbook and a selection of short stories. He has been featured in several anthologies, including 1066 Turned Upside Down, Connections, Light and Tales from Deepest Darkest Devon. In addition to his psychological thrillers, he writes Science Fiction and Steampunk adventures. He also chronicles the exploits of reluctant amateur detective Andorra Pett. Richard is married with three adult children and five grandchildren.
Exactly what is the big deal with book reviews?Currently, the reader’s attention is constantly being competed with via a wide range of printed or electronic format works. In this vast context, there may be no way to overstate how powerful, effective, and essential book reviews are – for both the reader and the author. Through these assessments, the readers are given a flavour of the narrative in front of them, additionally serving as gateways to the world of good books. On the other hand, the writers regard reviews as crucial for discoverability, marketing, and boosting their book sales.This little book of personal thoughts is more of a guide than a forensic approach.
My Review
Find Your Next Best Read!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 January 2025
The Booklet of First Hand Reads by Dan Costinas.
It’s somewhat unusual reviewing a book of book recommendations but that’s what I’ll try to do!
Dan loves reading. That’s obvious and his favourite reads are eclectic in taste ranging from:
1. The Bard William Shakespeare himself.
2. Poetry
3. Gothic literary masterpieces & Bestsellers
4. Engaging Travel & Expatriate tales
5. Crime & Thrillers, Psychological Fiction, Murder Mystery Puzzle Book
The Mess of US in currently on preorder and releases February 14th, Buy Link below.
Book overview
“Dear World, so, obviously we made a mess of it. Inevitably. Otherwise I wouldn’t be writing to you again, would I?”What do you do when the man who beat your boyfriend into a coma is about to be released from prison? What do you do when that man is your boyfriend’s older brother who wants to make amends?Now a couple, Lou and Joe are struggling to get over the traumatic events of two years ago. When Joe’s brother Leon is released from prison, they must decide if either of them are able to forgive and forget what he did.Meanwhile, an unexpected pregnancy throws their lives into chaos and when tragedy reawakens Lou’s self-destructive tendencies, she faces losing everything they have built. Can she fight her body image demons once again? Can either of them trust Leon? As Joe and Lou try to decide whether bad people can truly change, they are about to have one mess of a summer.
MyReview
The Mess Of Us
I had the pleasure of reading this brilliant tale twice as an early reader. This is the sequel to The Mess of Me which I loved too.
This is a moving young adult story written in a diary style to their baby whilst eighteen-year-old Lou is pregnant with Joe’s baby.
Lou hates putting on weight. She discovers she is pregnant and the family rally around to support the young couple. I loved the emotionally moving scenes with Lou supporting Joe when he is reunited with his vicious brother. And how Joe came to terms with grief and how Lou grew up in the process. She began to understand the reasons why Joe’s druggie brother believed in the way he did. And, surprisingly, he entrusts her with a secret she must keep.
The friends grow up, life changes.
Lou and Joe are both so likeable you just want to give them both a warm hug. Especially Joe! He’s a rare kind of boy.
Lou’s friend Marianne is the opposite. She is about as toxic as you can get! But she has a vulnerability too which was always there.
There is a softening, compassionate edge to this story which doesn’t excuse villians but reveals they can be damaged too.
Highly recommended for YA readers and anyone who loves stories about growing up.
My rating 4 🌟
Chantelle Atkins was born and raised in Dorset, England and still resides there now with her husband, four children, and multiple pets.
She is addicted to reading, writing, and music and writes for both the young adult and adult genres.
Her fiction is described as gritty, edgy and compelling. Her debut Young Adult novel The Mess Of Me deals with eating disorders, self-harm, fractured families and first love.
Her second novel, The Boy With The Thorn In His Side follows the musical journey of a young boy attempting to escape his brutal home life and has now been developed into a 5 book series.
She is also the author of This Is Nowhere and award-winning dystopian, The Tree Of Rebels, plus a collection of short stories related to her novels called Bird People and Other Stories.
The award-winning Elliot Pie’s Guide To Human Nature was released in October 2018.
A Song For Bill Robinson was the first in YA trilogy titled Holds End, followed by Emily’s Baby and The Search For Summer. Recently, she has co-authored the Fortune’s Well YA trilogy with Sim Alec Sansford. The Day The Earth Turned YA series is her latest release before this.
Sunflower Tanka, edited by Robbie Cheadle & Colleen M. Chesebro, is an annual anthology of contemporary tanka, tanka prose, & experimental tanka from a broad mix of new and established poetic voices from across the world.
Our theme, “Into the Light,” draws inspiration from the way a young sunflower bud constantly turns to face the sun. Poets delved into the realms of death, love, and the natural world, capturing their human experiences in the timeless form of syllabic poetry.
Contributors to the first edition of the Sunflower Tanka: Suzanne Brace, Yvette Calleiro, Kay Castenada, Luanne Castle, Robbie Cheadle, Colleen M. Chesebro, E.A. Colquitt, Melissa Davilio, Destiny, Tamiko Dooley, Lisa Fox, Cindy Georgakas, Chris Hall, Franci Hoffman, Marsha Ingrao, Jude Itakali, JulesPaige, Kenneth, MJ Mallon, Brenda Marie, Selma Martin, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Lisa Nelson, D. Wallace Peach, Freya Pickard, Dawn Pisturino, Gwen M. Plano, Jennifer Russo, Aishwarya Saby, Reena Saxena, Merril D. Smith, Nicole Smith, Ivor Steven, Ben Tonkin, Trilce Marsh Vazquez, Cheryl Wood.
Book Review
Sunflower Tanka (Anthology)
This is a beautiful collection of tanka, tanka prose, garland tanka, tanka puente and rensaku, (if you are unfamiliar, Robbie Cheadle’s The Buffalo, & Jacaranda Blue, and Kay Castenada’s three rensaku, are all fantastic.)
Sunflower Tanka is lovingly edited by Colleen Chesebro and Robbie Cheadle with the theme ‘into the light.’ I loved all the different interpretations, how meaningful and different they all were.
I am honoured to have three off my tanka poems included.
This review relates to all of the other lovely poems
They are all favourites but here are some of my choices to highlight:
Lisa Fox with her tanka prose about creating sourdough from scratch and eating the finished product with peanut butter really made me smile.
Chris Hall, her tanka poems about the seasons, spring, early summer, late summer, autumn and winter are sublime.
Luanne Castle’s Lesson (Tanka prose,) about her care of her baby grandson. And a hummingbird, sharing, ‘our duties of protection.’
Brenda Marie with her wonderful soul inspired Tanka.
Melissa Davilio’s lovely tanka about a rainbow uplifting her downcast mood.
Reena Saxena’s amusing double tanka about the brevity of haiku extended by ‘two more lines of wisdom.’
I enjoyed Lisa Smith Nelson’s tanka, (Sweater Weather,) tanka puente, and tanka prose, Driving Blind.)
Colleen Chesebro’s tankas celebrating moonlight, an owl and nocturnal insects.
Moving tanka prose from Marsha Ingrao about her cancer treatment which ends on a hopeful note. And from D. Wallace Peach (My Mother’s Death,) a touchingly written personal tanka prose. Merril D. Smith’s April 2020 tanka prose during covid about loss, sadness, light and love remembered. And from Robbie Cheadle a truly relatable poem about growing older through the generations, (Family Gathering.)
Selma Martin’s visual tanka begins by taking you on an eagle’s wing. How poetry can really move you!
Sunflower Tanka’s international flavour made it even more interesting for me with poets from the US, UK, Japan, Philippines, Uganda, Mexico, South Africa, Scotland/Portugal, Australia, Italy and India.
Keen poetry enthusiasts will be delighted to be gifted this anthology. What a pleasure to dip into the pages whenever you fill the need to bask into the light!
Robbie Cheadle is a gifted artist, the gorgeous cover and interior formatted by Colleen Chesebro depicts Robbie’s favourite flower, the Sunflower.
She’s an avid supporter of her writing community on her blog on by organizing and sponsoring a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, where participants experiment with traditional and current forms of Japanese and American syllabic poetry.
They kept hearing, “When will we celebrate your good news?”
The perfect partner, the perfect job, mostly perfect in-laws.
Bali and Kiran had it all. Except for that baby.
After a few years of marriage, the natural step of starting a family beckoned, but nothing was simple or natural.
Constant whispers, superstitions, and rumours cause havoc in what was a solid relationship, and Kiran struggles to face the possibility that her dream may not come true.
Pregnancies and babies all around her. Why not hers? All she can say is, “It’s in God’s Hands.”
Book Review – In God’s Hands
This is book 3 in the Rishtay series. I’ve read Marriage Unarranged and Straight As A Jalebi and can highly recommend all three books.
I enjoyed reconnecting with the characters again. The third book in the series is an emotional read focusing on childless couples struggling to conceive and to carry a baby to term.
In God’s Hands is written in a moving and knowledgeable way from the author’s own experiences.
With mentions of cultural aspects and the pressure (especially from mother-in-law’s and ‘aunties,’) for married couples to produce a child.
One can’t help but root for Kiran and Bali!
In this human interest and family centred novel relationships between husband and wife, friends, family, and the wider community are explored.
I was a little surprised at the emotional distance between Kiran and her mother. I didn’t find her character was mentioned much. Instead, Kiran’s relationship with her father-in-law, Daddy-Ji, is the one that shone throughout. He is level-headed, sensible and kind. I really liked his character! Such a sweet man. Her mother-in-law, Mummy-Ji, is intolerable at the beginning and then suppressed revelations are shared which make a difference.
A lovely cultural personal and touching read. ❤️
My rating 4 stars
Abouttheauthor
Ritu Bhathal was born in Birmingham in the mid-1970s to migrant parents, hailing from Kenya but with Indian origin. This colourful background has been a constant source of inspiration to her.
From childhood, she always enjoyed reading. This love of books is credited to her mother. The joy of reading spurred her on to become creative in her writing, from fiction to poetry. Winning little writing competitions at school and locally encouraged her to continue writing.
As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and teacher, she has drawn on inspiration from many avenues to create the poems that she writes.A qualified teacher, having studied at Kingston University, she now deals with classes of children as a sideline to her writing!
Ritu also writes a blog, http://www.butismileanyway.com, a mixture of life and creativity, thoughts and opinions, which was awarded first place in the Best Overall Blog category at the 2017 Annual Bloggers Bash Awards, and Best Book Blog in 2019.
Ritu is happily married and living in Kent, with her Hubby Dearest, and two children, not forgetting the fur baby Sonu Singh.
Delighted to feature Sally Cronin’s latest book on my blog today!
Blurb
At age 41 in 1994 and weighing 330 lbs, Sally Cronin had two choices when she was told that she was unlikely to live to 45. Carry on eating or get her act together.
She chose to study nutrition and change the way she approached the food she ate and her other lifestyle choices.
Her first book, Size Matters, told the story of her weight loss of 154 lbs and shared the programme she designed to both lose the weight and regain her health.
Now, thirty years on from the start of that journey, having worked as a nutritional therapist with hundreds of clients as well as acting as a health consultant on radio for several years and on her blog, she shares an updated version of the programme.
Weight loss is not just about calories in and calories out. It is about identifying the physical, emotional and mental attachments we have to food and developing a deeper respect for the fuel we require to be healthy.
As well as exploring the many elements involved in healthy weight loss, she also shares the nutritional balance we need to achieve to prevent many of the lifestyle issues that accompany obesity. This includes some easy to prepare recipes which provide nutrient dense dishes for the whole family.
In 2022, 2.5 billion adults aged 18 years and older were overweight, including over 890 million adults who were living with obesity. 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight. Over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight, including 160 million who were living with obesity.
If you need to lose 10 lbs or 100 lbs you can adapt this programme to lose the weight healthily and to enjoy a better quality of life. Don’t be included in the statistics and start losing weight today.
Book Review
Size Always Matters
I learnt a lot about the body and our relationship with food from this personal account from Sally Cronin’s own experiences – at 41 she was told she was unlikely to live to 45, weighing 330 lbs, she lost 154 lbs and is now 71.
It’s been a tough journey for author Sally Cronin and this account of her weight loss journey and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle is nothing short of inspiring.
Sally Cronin is honest, informative, and encouraging throughout.
If you want to lose a little, or a lot this book will help you on your journey. It explains the science, the role of different foods, sugars, carbohydrates, proteins and fats in our diet and the harmful effects of candida albicans.
It struck me as being full of sensible advice, (you can eat butter but from grass fed cows, full fat or semi skimmed milk, treats in moderation, but make sure you have your fish, lean protein in moderation, whole grain carbohydrates, healthy fats, handful nuts, and a wide variety – 5-7 a day fruit and veg, natural, unprocessed food, etc,) such a no nonsense approach and the opposite of yoyo dieting, or fads.
Basically, think about what you eat, respect and protect your body, exercise, live well and this will benefit you.
There are shopping lists for healthy foods and also a few recipes at the back of the book. I’m tempted to try her recipe for Irish Soda Bread and Mushroom soup.
Highly recommended for those about to begin a weight loss journey, or all those interested in nutrition and living well.
Sally Cronin is the author of eighteen books including her memoir Size Matters: Especially when you weigh 330lb first published in 2001 which followed her weight loss of 150lbs and the programme she designed to achieve a healthy weight and regain her health. A programme she shared with her clients over her 26 year career as a nutritional therapist and on her blog.
This has been followed by another seventeen books both fiction and non-fiction including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.
Her latest book Size Always Matters is an extended and updated version of her original book Size Matters and now includes the nutritional element to losing weight and some recipes with ingredients that provide the nutrients necessary for healthy weight loss and continued good health.
As an author she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities in the Café and Bookstore on her blog and across her social media.
After leading a nomadic existence exploring the world, she now lives with her husband on the coast of Southern Ireland enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.
A book that is beneficial to keep and follow. I intend to try to lose about a stone!
Sophie is a beautiful housewife on the brink of a midlife crisis, unhappy with her errant husband. Juliette, a romantic and passionate optimist, struggles to make ends meet in a society that stereotypes single mothers.
Evelyn, a shy and modest novelist is looking for the university to help her step out of the shadows. Ann, after being disabled after a serious accident, yearns for fulfillment in a cruel world that has robbed her of happiness.And then there’s Will – a rebellious and idealistic teenager, who longs to sever the shackles of family and religion.
As five paths collide in a story of empowerment, romance and quest for fulfillment, they’re presented with the same question: what is your dream?
My Review
The School Of Dreams, Book 1
This is a lovely heartwarming novel about a group of people who would perhaps never have met except for their wish/plans to go to university to enrich/better their lives by studying English Literature.
Not all are as keen on the idea of studying. Young Will, the youngest in the group wants to be free to travel the world. Smitten by Hema, he is thwarted by interracial problems that must be overcome to be with her.
Sophie is a rich footballer’s wife who needs more from life. Her lifestyle appears grand but money isn’t everything.
Ann is in a wheelchair and speaks her mind. I warmed to her, she is forthright but has a soft side too, as has her kind hearted hubby Jon.
Juliette’s now a single mum with two kids (wanting nothing to do with her useless ex,) living in an “asbo” area. She falls for lecturer Ben who everyone is gossiping about.
Evelyn is a carer for her mum who dreams of being a novelist.
They all have different backgrounds and obstacles to overcome.
It’s a lively and fun narrative with a couple of blossoming love stories, too. And some revelations. I loved the ending. Won’t say more for spoiling it for you.
Recommended for its lighthearted, great characters and fun vibe, for its university setting, love of books atmosphere… it took me back to those times. I loved being a student!
My rating 5 🌟
Author Bio
Hello, I live in Wolverhampton, England and I’m the author of 11 books.
I write romance mainly – rom-coms, romantasy, contemporary.
I’ve also written a psychological mental health book.
I’ve had a variety of jobs ranging from bar staff, sales assistant, secretary, teaching assistant & dinner lady.
I retired in 2019 to concentrate on writing and am absolutely loving it. I have also recently passed a Master’s In Creative Writing which I studied with through The Open University.
My interests include reading, walking, drawing and drinking tea. I love hearing from readers 🙂
I’m on Twitter at @sparklyauthor and I’m on Instagram at booksbyjulia72
Thank you for taking an interest in my writing and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. 🙂 x
Julia Sutton is one of my favourite contemporary romancy authors!
Delighted with the boost of this 5+ star review from blue tick influencer, N. N. LIGHT.
A sensual poetry collection sure to entice your mind, body and soul. In this exquisite collection, the author writes emotive poems with the themes of love, romance, and relationships. Each poem is expressive, sensual, and the reader gets to experience falling in love.
The imagery reflected in this collection is remarkable. Each word has been carefully chosen by a wordsmith to evoke a feeling, an experience, or what it feels like to fall in love. The author is a gifted poet.
If you’re a romantic or a fan of poetry, you’re in for a treat with this poetry collection. Brilliant from start to finish, these poems will have you falling in love.
Occasionally a book comes to you which makes you think, take stock and reflect in a good way. This is one of those masterpieces. Stunning.” Nicki’s Book Blog.
In early 1930s Germany, life for the Stiepermann family was simple yet idyllic. Artistic Ingrid and her inventive brother Dieter loved the freedom of the Bavarian Alps, but that was before the Jew haters surfaced in their society.
Fueled by Nazi ideologies, Stefan Weiss and his friends suppress and destroy anyone who opposes their beliefs. While one family battles for supremacy, another is torn apart.
Fleeing the tyranny, Ingrid, and her brother escape to London. Seemingly safe from danger, can Ingrid save her family as war threatens?
Featuring real world history, shocking events of the time and tales of immense courage, The Girl from Berchtesgaden is a must-read historical thriller.
My review
Brilliant historical fiction story. It’s seamlessly written by two awesome authors: Alistair Birch and Kim Rigby. The collaboration works well.
I could see all the shocking events, and despicable behaviour towards the Jews unfolding as if they were before my eyes. This took on a cinematic quality.
An emotional and heartwrenching WW2 tale with great characters, Nazi villians, family aspects, friendships and relationships tested to the limit by the brutality of war.
I loved it. Ingrid was so brave! Stefan was diabolical! I don’t often read historical fiction war novels but when I do I often find them very moving, meaningful and important reads. This one is definitely in that category. It’s a favourite. Well worth the 500 plus pages, which I didn’t notice… as I was engrossed throughout.
My rating 5 stars. Highly recommended 👌 Get a copy!
M J Mallon YA Author and Poet 