06-06-2025
Clouded times
My name is Bibliodander and I love to read books. But sadly, I do not have many books at home, and I can't go to a library. Why? Because I am a monster and monsters cannot be seen. They can only hide under beds at night. So that's when I get to read.
After a long break, I am back. This summer, I have been hearing many people say 'Ah, climate change' for almost anything. If it gets too hot, they say, climate change. If it rains too much, again they say, climate change. So, after hearing so much about this, I decided to do some research on my own. Thus began my foray into books on the environment. Yesterday, after all the heavy reading, I chanced upon this book called A Cloud Called Bhura by Bijal Vachharajani. Wait, so now clouds have names?
This is the story about four friends: Amni, Tammy, Mithil, and Andrew who live in Mumbai. One morning, they wake up to find a big brown cloud in the sky. No one knows where it has come from and what it is made up of. Soon, news of the brown cloud is being reported on the TV channel Khabar Bhayankar. The lead anchor Vaatodiyo Bahuche names the cloud Bhura Cloudus, because of its deep brown colour. The only topic of conversation for everyone is Bhura. Motabhai, the politician, says the opposition is using Bhura to defame their government. Scientists Vidisha and Bidisha are confused and are trying their best to find out more about it.
Trouble brews
The common people are worried about the cloud and the harm it can do to their lives. However, Bhura stays up in the sky and people continue with their lives. But that's not actually true. Little by little, Bhura begins to create trouble for the people. Temperatures rise, visibility is low, flights are cancelled, and people develop breathing difficulty. Things begin to get even worse when there is water shortage and frequent electricity cuts.
One day, when Tammy takes her Nanu for a walk, he becomes breathless and takes to his bed. Now, everyone wears a mask as soon as they step out of their houses. Birds and animals disappear from the city. Even Mithil's pet dog, Chapati, begins to act weird.
Mithil's mother works for a newspaper and she manages to take Amni, Mithil, and Tammy to an important meeting about Bhura. But just before the meeting is about to begin, insects attack the venue. People rush out causing a stampede. However, the children get to meet Vidisha, the scientist.
The kids feel that the elders are not getting their act together to fight Bhura. So, they band together and invite other kids to join them. They decide to fight Bhura. Will they succeed?
