Stephan Pastis Books In Order

Publication Order of Pearls Before Swine Books

Publication Order of Timmy Failure Books

Publication Order of Trubble Town Books

About Stephan Pastis

Coming from California in America, the novelist Stephan Pastis has been making a lot of headway within the literary industry for quite some time now. Working primarily as a cartoonist, he’s largely known for a number of iconic and influential cartoon strips that he’s done over the years. Making a name for himself with his distinctive characters and stories, he has been able to set himself apart from the rest with his trademark style of wit and intelligence.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1968 on the 1st of January, Stephan Pastis was born and raised within the vicinity of San Marino in the United States. Growing up in this suburb of Los Angeles in California, he would go on to show a love of cartoons, but not before going on to gain a degree in political science. This he would gain from the University of California situated at Berkeley, which he received in 1989, all the while still wanting to be a cartoonist.

Following this he would go on to attend the UCLA Law School in 1990, whereby he would go on to become an attorney. Practising law in the San Francisco Bay Area, he would operate between the years of 1993 to 2002, all the while pursuing his dream of become a nationally syndicated cartoonist. This would finally be realized in 1999, as he would gain his first acceptance, as he continues to be a highly regarded cartoonist to this very day.

Writing Career

Starting out in newspapers, Stephan Pastis would become a nationally syndicated cartoonist, with him debuting in the month of January, 2002. This would lead to his comic-strip, ‘Pearls Before Swine’, becoming a cartoon that would fast be recognized nationwide, with scores of readers looking to his work. It would not go unnoticed by the critics either, as he would also go on to win numerous awards too, such as ‘Best Newspaper Comic Strip’ through the years of 2003, 2004 and 2007.

Winning the award itself fully both in 2004 and 2007, he would fast become a household name, with his work becoming a familiar fixture within the newspaper. Known for writing children’s fiction as well, he would also go on and write the series ‘Timmy Failure’, featuring the now iconic lead character. This has all cemented him as one of the leading figures within the industry, creating a name for himself that will resonate for a long time yet.

Breaking Stephan: A Pearls Before Swine Collection

Initially published through the ‘Andrews McMeel Publishing’ outlet, this would set-up another collection of ‘Pearls Before Swine’ collection. Marking its own release, it would be released between the publication of the fourteenth and fifteenth instalments of the series itself, making it its own separate title in essence. It would also feature a contemporary and up-to-date collection of the work of Stephan Pastis, allowing fans of the author to essentially complete their collection.

With this being a complete collection up to the date of its release, this doesn’t feature a complete narrative running through as such. This isn’t to say that there isn’t a thread connecting the many stories together though, as Pastis makes a number of witty observations throughout. Using the characters to voice different ideas and musings, this makes for a more personal and involving collection of work. Regardless of whether the reader is a newcomer or a fan, this is a must for anyone who’s hoping to gain a deeper insight into the work of Pastis as an author.

This time the gang get together to comment on a whole host of different contemporary issues ranging from bicyclists to the creator of the series himself. Following the simple plot device of leading character Rat and his very own movie, it sees him attempting to make the film ‘Rat Kicks Pig’. Meanwhile other character Croc is attempting to find himself a job, but he only has one skill left in his arsenal; drinking copiously. Coming together they must all attempt to find whatever it is that they’re looking for, all whilst trying to overcome whatever obstacles are put in their way. Will they be able to manage it? Can they all work together and achieve their goals? What will become of them all as they find themselves breaking Stephan?

We Meet Again

This time released through the ‘Candlewick Press’ publishing label, this would originally come out on the 28th of October in 2014. Largely aimed primarily at children this time as well, it is not without the trademark wit of Pastis, as he brings his unique brand of humor to the table once more. Marking the third title in the ongoing ‘Tommy Failure’ series of novels, it provides yet more funny stories featuring the funny leading protagonist.

With a comic sensibility both in style and tone, it combines the fantastical with the everyday, making for a funny yet realistic portrayal of growing up. Looking at the life of its young protagonist through this comic prism, it manages to engage the younger readers in a manner quite unlike any other. This also gives it a sense of vibrancy and color that carries it along with intelligence throughout, allowing it to really become its own unique thing as the series progresses. Not only that, but there are also plenty of entertaining twists and surprises along the way, giving it its own idiosyncratic feel.

With his detective agency all set to become a global success and achieve world domination, Timmy Failure returns once again as the overconfident sleuth. Yet on his path to global riches and fame worldwide, he keeps constantly facing obstacles set in his path, as they continually obstruct him from his end goal. First of all, it would seem that he is facing academic probation, as he must get the much coveted ‘Miracle Report’ if he ever hopes to continue with his plans. Seeking this with the goal of getting good grades, he must get this at all costs, so he can once again rule triumphant and save the day. Will he manage to get what he’s looking for? Can he proceed with his plans for complete world domination? What happens when he says ‘we meet again’?