What do you think?
Rate this book
Ned Bear and The Dirty Whisker Curse
In a world where magic is gone…
Ned is a grizzly bear trained for fighting wars. But he doesn’t want to fight anymore. He’d much rather live a life of exploration and leisure. So one day he ventures out beyond his village to the city of Wexlin.
The world is a wondrous place and he soon happens upon a group of pirates searching for a great treasure lost at sea. Maybe Ned can find fulfillment in joining them on their quest. It certainly sounds fun. The only problem is Ned is afraid of the ocean.
That’s actually the least of his worries. Many deadly trials and troubles await aboard the Ironwill, the pirates’ ship. As it turns out, maybe Ned isn’t quite done fighting. And what will he do when a method to restore the world's magic is discovered?
Find out in Ned Bear and the Dirty Whisker Curse.
Featuring a main character who is a bear, this fantasy read is perfect for kids and adults who like animals. And don’t forget pirates. Follow Ned’s adventure as he strives to be the unwitting hero of the Land.
Ned is a grizzly bear trained for fighting wars. But he doesn’t want to fight anymore. He’d much rather live a life of exploration and leisure. So one day he ventures out beyond his village to the city of Wexlin.
The world is a wondrous place and he soon happens upon a group of pirates searching for a great treasure lost at sea. Maybe Ned can find fulfillment in joining them on their quest. It certainly sounds fun. The only problem is Ned is afraid of the ocean.
That’s actually the least of his worries. Many deadly trials and troubles await aboard the Ironwill, the pirates’ ship. As it turns out, maybe Ned isn’t quite done fighting. And what will he do when a method to restore the world's magic is discovered?
Find out in Ned Bear and the Dirty Whisker Curse.
Featuring a main character who is a bear, this fantasy read is perfect for kids and adults who like animals. And don’t forget pirates. Follow Ned’s adventure as he strives to be the unwitting hero of the Land.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 25, 2026
Ned Bear and The Dirty Whisker Curse was a whimsical, fast-paced high seas adventure.
I loved Ned as the protagonist, a grizzly bear who didn't quite fit the mold people expected him to be. Throughout his adventure, though, he finds his courage and shows up for people in unexpected ways. A highlight for me was the world-building and found-family elements woven throughout the story.
One thing I did struggle with was keeping names and creatures straight, especially in the early chapters of the story (which may also be challenging for middle-grade readers).
I would highly recommend for middle-grade fantasy readers, especially fans of the Warrior series by Erin Hunter.
I received an ARC through booksirens, but all opinions are my own.
I loved Ned as the protagonist, a grizzly bear who didn't quite fit the mold people expected him to be. Throughout his adventure, though, he finds his courage and shows up for people in unexpected ways. A highlight for me was the world-building and found-family elements woven throughout the story.
One thing I did struggle with was keeping names and creatures straight, especially in the early chapters of the story (which may also be challenging for middle-grade readers).
I would highly recommend for middle-grade fantasy readers, especially fans of the Warrior series by Erin Hunter.
I received an ARC through booksirens, but all opinions are my own.
September 26, 2026
I. Loved. This. Book! It’s been a hot minute since I read or reviewed middle grade, but this one was absolutely perfect for my visit back to MG novels. It reminded me of everything I love about this tier of books:
- Excellent story that is full of action
- Morals / lessons worth learning (see some of my fav quotes below for a hint at a few of them in NBatDWC)
- Characters worth rooting for
Ned Bear, the titular character, is a main character that is so easy to love! He’s kind, compassionate, and unlike his war-mongering brethren, just wants peace. And maybe to do some exploring.
And the side characters are all fun: quirky yet believable, endearing, and well-balanced.
This story is so well-written… so even though several items are left unfinished, you TRUST implicitly that the author will provide the payoff in books 2+.
Parents, this is a book your children can read without your supervision. But it’s okay to want to “supervise,” so that you can follow along on this delightful adventure!
Favorite non-spoiler quotes:
- “I’ve never had any real friends.” Ned spun his cup. “It’s difficult for bears. It’s hard to trust when you’re constantly treated as a weapon.”
- “Would bringing back the gods be a good thing? Was he the bear to make that decision?”
- “My father used to say, a creature who does not fear leadership is a creature too stupid to be in charge.”
I received a promotional copy of this book from the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
- Excellent story that is full of action
- Morals / lessons worth learning (see some of my fav quotes below for a hint at a few of them in NBatDWC)
- Characters worth rooting for
Ned Bear, the titular character, is a main character that is so easy to love! He’s kind, compassionate, and unlike his war-mongering brethren, just wants peace. And maybe to do some exploring.
And the side characters are all fun: quirky yet believable, endearing, and well-balanced.
This story is so well-written… so even though several items are left unfinished, you TRUST implicitly that the author will provide the payoff in books 2+.
Parents, this is a book your children can read without your supervision. But it’s okay to want to “supervise,” so that you can follow along on this delightful adventure!
Favorite non-spoiler quotes:
- “I’ve never had any real friends.” Ned spun his cup. “It’s difficult for bears. It’s hard to trust when you’re constantly treated as a weapon.”
- “Would bringing back the gods be a good thing? Was he the bear to make that decision?”
- “My father used to say, a creature who does not fear leadership is a creature too stupid to be in charge.”
I received a promotional copy of this book from the author. My opinions are 100% my own.
October 5, 2026
A very late review of an amazing book both kids and parents can enjoy together.
Awhile back I received the most beautiful and fun package from @a.b.roveen My 10 year old daughter, El, was just as excited to unbox it as I was. If you look back through my photos you’ll see all the fun and amazing things that Roveen sent along with his book.
My daughter and I decided to read it out loud together before bed each evening- (I loved how this book brought us together for a little much needed one on one time!)
It was such a fun read! Ned Bear has the best personality (although Mama Otter was my favorite- such sass!) This book was full of adventure and unusual friendships formed alongside navigating one’s own fears.
In the letter from Ned, the bear says, “perhaps by the end, you’ll believe that being a hero doesn’t always mean loving adventure. Sometimes it simply means refusing to the let the darkness win.”
Honestly nothing beats a fantastic kids book that can hold the parents attention as well and comes with beautiful life lessons interwoven.
5 stars! Ned Bear and The Dirty Whisker Curse
Awhile back I received the most beautiful and fun package from @a.b.roveen My 10 year old daughter, El, was just as excited to unbox it as I was. If you look back through my photos you’ll see all the fun and amazing things that Roveen sent along with his book.
My daughter and I decided to read it out loud together before bed each evening- (I loved how this book brought us together for a little much needed one on one time!)
It was such a fun read! Ned Bear has the best personality (although Mama Otter was my favorite- such sass!) This book was full of adventure and unusual friendships formed alongside navigating one’s own fears.
In the letter from Ned, the bear says, “perhaps by the end, you’ll believe that being a hero doesn’t always mean loving adventure. Sometimes it simply means refusing to the let the darkness win.”
Honestly nothing beats a fantastic kids book that can hold the parents attention as well and comes with beautiful life lessons interwoven.
5 stars! Ned Bear and The Dirty Whisker Curse
September 19, 2023
This new author weaves a whimsical tale of fantasy involving unlikely animal friends, who embark on a grand adventure. Ned, bear, the hero, longs for a quiet life after his warrior days; but his kind heart gets him into trouble which he escapes with his new friends, only to be caught up in a treasure hunt. This treasure legend was first told by his childhood hero, Ulrich Labarre, in a series of books, which Ned read and loved. As the tale unfolds, Ned’s honorable character is revealed over and over again, as he deals with his friends, pirates, and even his biggest enemy, Maydia. Even the sea creatures, who come to his rescue, are also won over by his honorable values. Ultimately, Ned and his friends must solve numerous magic puzzles to find the treasure. But, what will he do with it?? Read this charming story to find out. Your young teen will become enthralled with this tale, and will learn valuable life lessons about honor, friendship, and strength of character. Looking forward to following Ned bears next adventure.
July 15, 2026
A fun and adventurous story! This mid grade novel has so much to tell, it keeps you guessing what’s going to happen next. As soon as you think things are going along as planned, something else happens!
I really enjoyed following along with the main character, Ned - who is a bear, and all the things he learns along the way. He is coveted by others for his size and strength but not for being himself. He learns who he truly is along the way and discovers that life isn’t always what you expect it to be.
I really enjoyed following along with the main character, Ned - who is a bear, and all the things he learns along the way. He is coveted by others for his size and strength but not for being himself. He learns who he truly is along the way and discovers that life isn’t always what you expect it to be.
February 7, 2026
Ned Bear and the Dirty Whisker Curse is a deceptively gentle fantasy that explores the aftermath of violence rather than its glory. Ned’s journey from trained war beast to reluctant adventurer frames a story about agency, fear, and the cost of heroism. The novel’s charm lies in its restraint, allowing emotional stakes to outweigh spectacle.
February 9, 2026
Ned Bear and the Dirty Whisker Curse is a deceptively gentle fantasy that explores the aftermath of violence rather than its glory. Ned’s journey from trained war beast to reluctant adventurer frames a story about agency, fear, and the cost of heroism. The novel’s charm lies in its restraint, allowing emotional stakes to outweigh spectacle.
February 7, 2026
I expected a fun animal fantasy. I didn’t expect to feel sympathy for a bear who’s tired of being brave. Ned’s fear of the ocean, his hesitation to fight, and his longing for a quieter life made the story surprisingly moving.
February 7, 2026
The story moves cleanly from village displacement to pirate recruitment to a dangerous discovery about lost magic. Each stage builds logically, with escalating risk and consequence rather than random twists.
February 9, 2026
I expected a fun animal fantasy. I didn’t expect to feel sympathy for a bear who’s tired of being brave. Ned’s fear of the ocean, his hesitation to fight, and his longing for a quieter life made the story surprisingly moving.
February 9, 2026
The story moves cleanly from village displacement to pirate recruitment to a dangerous discovery about lost magic. Each stage builds logically, with escalating risk and consequence rather than random twists.
February 7, 2026
This book worked beautifully as a shared read. The adventure held attention, while the themes sparked conversations about courage, choice, and standing up for yourself without glorifying violence.
February 7, 2026
Ned is shaped by trauma, not destiny. His reluctance to fight feels earned, and his eventual decisions come from necessity, not desire, making his arc psychologically believable.
February 7, 2026
The absence of magic is treated as cultural loss rather than inconvenience. When restoration becomes possible, the book wisely frames it as a moral problem, not a wish fulfillment.
February 7, 2026
This is a classic quest story with pirates, sea trials, and dangerous secrets, but it never forgets that its hero is afraid and that fear matters.
February 7, 2026
The novel introduces complex ideas ethical power, responsibility, fear without overwhelming younger readers. It’s a strong bridge between light fantasy and deeper storytelling.
February 7, 2026
Much of the humor comes from Ned’s mismatch with expectations. a massive bear who wants peace, avoids the sea, and stumbles into heroics unwillingly.
February 7, 2026
The curse element feels rooted in old fables, giving the story a timeless quality that elevates it beyond a simple adventure.
February 9, 2026
This is a classic quest story with pirates, sea trials, and dangerous secrets, but it never forgets that its hero is afraid and that fear matters.
February 9, 2026
Ned is shaped by trauma, not destiny. His reluctance to fight feels earned, and his eventual decisions come from necessity, not desire, making his arc psychologically believable.
January 26, 2024
Entertaining and a great read with the kids!
Really enjoyed this read. Finished it in a couple sittings with my kids. They loved it! Looking forward to the next title from ABR!
Really enjoyed this read. Finished it in a couple sittings with my kids. They loved it! Looking forward to the next title from ABR!
September 19, 2023
Great for Middle Graders.
I have been looking for something for my middle grader to read all summer and happened to stumble across this title. It has been difficult finding something that he wanted to read, and he instantly grew interested when I showed him the cover. He likes pirates and a bear riding a killer whale really peaked his interest. We read it together and it was fun story with a variety of great characters in an intriguing new world. There were moments that made us laugh and a little sad but overall we really enjoyed the adventure with Ned.
I have been looking for something for my middle grader to read all summer and happened to stumble across this title. It has been difficult finding something that he wanted to read, and he instantly grew interested when I showed him the cover. He likes pirates and a bear riding a killer whale really peaked his interest. We read it together and it was fun story with a variety of great characters in an intriguing new world. There were moments that made us laugh and a little sad but overall we really enjoyed the adventure with Ned.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews