Review: My Name is Rusha

My Name is Rusha

Tirusha Dave

Published February 8, 2026

Rusha is a joyful, curious little girl who loves to play, learn, read, dance, and make new friends. But one day, when someone says her name the wrong way, Rusha feels a little unsure. Is her name really that hard to say?

With courage, kindness, and a big heart, Rusha learns that her name is special — and that her voice matters. As she gently teaches others how to say her name correctly, Rusha discovers something important: being yourself is something to be proud of.

This is a story about her name, her voice, and her bright heart that shines just the same.

Perfect for children ages 3–7, this beautifully illustrated picture book encourages:

• Confidence and self-expression
• Respect for names and identities
• Kindness, empathy, and friendship
• Early conversations about diversity and inclusion 

Whether read at home, in classrooms, or during storytime, My Name is Rusha is a heartwarming reminder that every name deserves care — and every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and celebrated. -  from Amazon

Recently, Tirusha, a friend of mine who is also an early childhood education professional and content creator, had her first children's book published! So, of course we had to get a copy of it and add it to our home library! 

My Name is Rusha tells the story of young girl whose name is mispronounced.  At first she's a little upset, but then she remembers that her name is an important part of who she is and she proudly explains to her friends how to pronounce it.  

This book is absolutely adorable!  The illustrations are bold and colorful, totally engaging for younger readers.  The story is told in simple rhyming sentences, letting children easily follow along.  But most importantly, it has a great message.  Rusha is a little girl who many children will relate to, in the way she likes to dance, read, and play with her friends.  But, she also has a name that some children might not have heard before - and that's ok!  It's a chance for children to both learn from and teach others about identity, culture, and the things that make us perfectly, uniquely "us!"

5 stars