Bart Simpson may be a hell-raising, cartoon prankster perpetually trapped in pre-adolescence, but did you know he is also a published author? Indeed, HarperCollins released Bart Simpson's Guide to Life in 1993, a book filled with the spiky-haired character's own words of wisdom on a variety of topics, from aging gracefully to romance. Quite an accomplishment considering he's never left the fourth grade.

The book was in reality penned by several writers including Simpson's creator Matt Groening, but our cartoon friend is just one of many examples of television characters that have novels and memoirs on real bookshelves.

Some of the more recent authors include zany municipal worker Leslie Knope (played by comic actor Amy Poehler on NBC's Parks and Recreation). She wrote a hyperbolic book describing the wonderful sights, sounds and quirks of her Indiana hometown entitled Pawnee: The Greatest Town in America.

Silver-haired veteran ad man Roger Sterling (played by John Slattery on AMC's Mad Men) released his memoir Sterling's Gold, peppered with details of his various romantic affairs and doused in his trademark biting wit.

Stephen Colbert has put out a book as his far right-wing, fake news show alter-ego: I Am America (And So Can You).

And who could leave out misanthropic literary star Hank Moody (brought to life by David Duchovny on Showtime's Californication). His novel, God Hates Us All, is celebrated on the show as a wry masterpiece that Charles Bukowski would be proud to call his own.

The Atlantic just posted this amusing slideshow featuring the works of many beloved television characters. You can check it out here.

Do you have a favourite fictional author? What do you think of cross-platform entertainment like this? Let us know in the comments below.