Plush representations impressed by characters created by the creator and illustrator, Mo Willems, provide tangible variations of beloved figures from his kids’s books. Examples embrace Pigeon, Elephant Gerald, and Piggie, rendered in smooth, huggable kinds appropriate for kids. This stuff usually function companions and playthings.
The enchantment of those plush figures lies of their connection to acquainted tales and characters, selling imaginative play and emotional connection for younger readers. The provision of these things extends the expertise of studying Willems’ books, offering a multi-sensory engagement with the fabric. Traditionally, character-based plush toys have confirmed helpful in fostering a toddler’s relationship with literature.
The next sections will delve into particular examples, focus on their development and supplies, study their function in early childhood growth, and discover their influence available on the market for kids’s literature merchandise.
1. Character Recognition
Character recognition kinds the bedrock upon which the enchantment of plush representations impressed by Mo Willems rests. Earlier than a toddler even clutches a stuffed Elephant Gerald, a familiarity with the character should exist. This pre-existing data, gleaned from the pages of Willems’ books, transforms a easy plush toy right into a tangible extension of a beloved narrative. A toddler doesn’t merely see a gray elephant; the kid sees Gerald, the anxious pal from “Ought to I Share My Ice Cream?”. The popularity triggers a cascade of associations: the story’s plot, the characters’ feelings, and the underlying classes. With out this recognition, the plush loses a lot of its worth, changing into merely one other generic stuffed animal. The influence is obvious: the deeper the kid’s engagement with the e-book, the extra resonant the plush determine turns into.
Contemplate a younger youngster combating emotions of frustration. This youngster owns an opulent Pigeon. The dad or mum can leverage the kid’s familiarity with the character from “Do not Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” to debate related emotions. The Pigeon, recognized for its persistent wishes and eventual acceptance of limitations, serves as a relatable mannequin. The plush, now greater than only a toy, turns into a device for emotional studying. The benefit with which this lesson unfolds hinges solely on the kid’s prior recognition of the character and its story. With out that basis, the potential for the sort of connection is considerably diminished.
In abstract, character recognition acts because the catalyst for turning a easy plush into a strong academic and emotional useful resource. Whereas the standard of the plush and its aesthetic enchantment contribute to its general worth, it’s the established connection to the supply materials that actually elevates it. Understanding this foundational significance is vital for appreciating the success and academic potential of Mo Willems-inspired plush figures.
2. Emotional Connection
The easy act of a kid clutching an opulent Piggie belies a posh change of feelings. Extra than simply smooth cloth and stitched options, these objects develop into vessels of consolation, friendship, and understanding. The emotional connection woven between youngster and character is a strong thread within the tapestry of early childhood growth.
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Consolation and Safety
In moments of misery or unease, a well-known plush determine can function a tangible supply of consolation. A toddler dealing with a thunderstorm may search solace in hugging Elephant Gerald, discovering reassurance within the acquainted form and texture. This tactile connection can ease anxiousness and supply a way of safety, appearing as a surrogate for parental consolation when wanted. The plush turns into an anchor in a sea of overwhelming feelings.
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Empathy and Nurturing
The act of caring for an opulent character encourages empathy and nurturing behaviors. A toddler pretending to feed Pigeon or tucking Piggie into mattress is training caring for one more being. These actions, although carried out on an inanimate object, lay the groundwork for creating compassion and understanding towards others. The plush turns into a protected area to discover and specific these nurturing impulses.
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Facilitating Communication
For youngsters struggling to articulate their emotions, an opulent determine can act as a bridge. A toddler upset a couple of disagreement with a pal may use Elephant Gerald to precise their disappointment or anger, projecting their feelings onto the plush. This oblique type of communication could be much less daunting than direct confrontation and permits the kid to course of complicated feelings in a protected and managed atmosphere. The plush turns into a confidante and a device for self-expression.
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Strengthening Attachment
The bond fashioned between a toddler and an opulent determine can mirror and strengthen attachment relationships. Simply as a toddler seeks consolation and safety from a dad or mum, they’ll additionally discover it of their beloved plush. This attachment supplies a way of stability and predictability, essential for wholesome emotional growth. The plush turns into a logo of affection and safety, reinforcing the kid’s sense of belonging.
Thus, the emotional connection fashioned with plush representations impressed by Mo Willems’ characters goes far past mere affection. This stuff develop into essential instruments for navigating the complicated panorama of childhood feelings, fostering empathy, facilitating communication, and offering a supply of unwavering consolation and safety. They aren’t simply toys, however energetic members in a toddler’s emotional journey.
3. Tactile Interplay
The attract of “Mo Willems stuffed animals” extends past mere visible enchantment. An important aspect of their enchantment lies within the realm of contact the tactile interplay. These plush figures are designed not simply to be seen however to be held, squeezed, and cherished. This interplay engages a unique a part of the kid’s mind, making a deeper, extra significant connection than sight alone ever might. The texture of the material, the form of the character, all contribute to a holistic expertise that amplifies the emotional influence of the tales they symbolize.
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Sensory Exploration
A younger kid’s world is explored primarily via the senses. The various textures of a Pigeon plush the sleek beak, the smooth physique provide a wealthy sensory expertise. This exploration contributes to cognitive growth because the youngster learns to distinguish between textures and shapes. Contemplate a visually impaired youngster: for them, the tactile expertise is paramount, permitting them to “see” Pigeon via contact, making a bond no totally different from that of a sighted youngster. This interplay demonstrates the inclusive energy of well-designed plush figures.
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Emotional Regulation
Stress and anxiousness typically manifest bodily. Holding a well-known plush can present a grounding sensation, serving to a toddler to control their feelings. The smooth, yielding nature of Elephant Gerald provides a comforting stress, akin to a mild hug. A toddler dealing with a brand new scenario or feeling overwhelmed may instinctively attain for his or her plush companion, discovering solace in its acquainted really feel. This tactile reassurance transcends age, offering consolation even to adults in moments of stress.
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High-quality Motor Ability Improvement
Manipulating small objects contributes to the event of superb motor expertise. Greedy, squeezing, and manipulating the limbs of an opulent determine helps to strengthen the muscle mass within the palms and fingers. A toddler may observe buttoning and unbuttoning the Pigeon’s detachable hat (if the design permits), additional refining their motor expertise. These seemingly easy actions put together the kid for extra complicated duties, reminiscent of writing and utilizing instruments.
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Imaginative Play Catalyst
The tactile interplay with an opulent determine fuels imaginative play. The bodily presence of Piggie permits a toddler to completely embody the character throughout play. They could recreate scenes from the books, utilizing the plush as a prop. The act of holding and manipulating the plush brings the tales to life, permitting the kid to develop into an energetic participant within the narrative. The worn fur and barely flattened form of a well-loved plush develop into testaments to numerous hours of imaginative adventures.
The tactile expertise, subsequently, just isn’t merely an added bonus; it’s integral to the enchantment and academic worth of “Mo Willems stuffed animals”. It enhances sensory exploration, facilitates emotional regulation, promotes superb motor talent growth, and catalyzes imaginative play. Every hug, squeeze, and cuddle deepens the bond between the kid and the character, reworking a easy toy right into a cherished companion and a strong device for studying and development.
4. Storytelling Enhancement
The essence of Mo Willems’ enchantment lies in his masterful storytelling, easy but profound. When translated into plush kind, characters reminiscent of Pigeon, Gerald, and Piggie don’t merely exist as passive objects. They develop into energetic members within the narrative course of, successfully enhancing the storytelling expertise for younger readers. This enhancement manifests in numerous methods, every contributing to a richer and extra participating encounter with Willems’ world.
Contemplate a situation: A dad or mum reads “We Are in a E-book!” aloud. With a Piggie plush in hand, the kid mimics Piggie’s exclamations of shock and marvel. The plush serves as a tangible illustration of the character, permitting the kid to inhabit the story extra totally. The act of manipulating the plush, altering its place, and mimicking its expressions amplifies the kid’s emotional connection to the narrative. Moreover, the plush determine sparks additional exploration of the story’s themes. A toddler may ask questions on Piggie’s emotions, prompting discussions about friendship, self-awareness, and the facility of books. With out the bodily presence of the plush, this stage of engagement may stay unrealized.
The storytelling enhancement supplied by these plush figures extends past formal studying classes. Throughout unbiased play, a toddler may use Gerald and Piggie to create solely new tales, drawing inspiration from the characters’ personalities and the teachings realized from Willems’ books. These improvisational narratives foster creativity, problem-solving expertise, and emotional intelligence. The plush figures act as catalysts, reworking on a regular basis playtime into alternatives for significant studying and self-expression. Thus, the flexibility to boost storytelling just isn’t merely a superficial attribute. It’s a core element of their worth, reworking easy stuffed animals into highly effective instruments for literacy growth and emotional development. The plush figures provide greater than only a passive connection to the books, appearing as energetic members within the ongoing narrative journey.
5. Developmental Advantages
The acquisition of information and expertise is a multifaceted journey, significantly throughout early childhood. Plush characters impressed by Mo Willems’ creations function greater than mere toys; they develop into integral instruments in fostering cognitive, emotional, and social development. The tangible presence of those figures permits kids to have interaction with studying in a playful and intuitive method, unlocking a variety of developmental advantages that stretch far past easy leisure.
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Language Improvement and Vocabulary Enlargement
Participating with these plush figures typically includes recreating scenes from the books or inventing new tales. This course of necessitates using language, encouraging kids to articulate their ideas and concepts. A toddler may describe Piggie’s feelings or narrate Gerald’s anxieties, increasing their vocabulary and honing their communication expertise. Contemplate a situation the place a toddler makes use of the plush characters to behave out a play, dictating dialogue and assigning roles. This interactive expertise fosters each expressive and receptive language expertise, selling higher fluency and comprehension.
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Emotional Intelligence and Social Expertise
Mo Willems’ characters typically grapple with complicated feelings reminiscent of worry, frustration, and jealousy. By interacting with plush variations of those characters, kids achieve alternatives to discover and perceive these emotions in a protected and managed atmosphere. A toddler may use Gerald to precise their very own anxieties or use Piggie to exhibit empathy in the direction of a pal. These role-playing situations construct emotional intelligence and improve social expertise, serving to kids to navigate interpersonal relationships with higher understanding and compassion. This strategy helps them develop empathy and understanding of social cues.
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Cognitive Improvement and Drawback-Fixing
Plush figures can facilitate cognitive growth by encouraging kids to have interaction in imaginative play and problem-solving actions. A toddler may use the plush characters to construct a fort, create a miniature world, or clear up a faux downside. These actions stimulate creativity, vital considering, and spatial reasoning expertise. For instance, a toddler may use blocks to create a stage for his or her plush characters, rigorously contemplating the association and design. This course of engages their cognitive skills and promotes the event of problem-solving methods.
The developmental advantages derived from interacting with these plush representations of Mo Willems’ characters are far-reaching and profoundly impactful. They function versatile instruments for fostering language growth, emotional intelligence, social expertise, and cognitive development. They aren’t merely playthings, however slightly highly effective catalysts for studying and self-discovery, enriching the lives of younger kids in significant and lasting methods.
6. Collectibility
The attract of amassing Mo Willems plush figures extends past easy childhood fondness; it faucets right into a deeper human impulse to arrange, categorize, and possess. These smooth effigies of Pigeon, Gerald, Piggie, and the Knuffle Bunny, purchase worth not simply as playthings, however as items of a set, entries in a complete archive of Willems’ universe. One buy fuels the will for one more, a refined craving to finish the ensemble, to have all the chums gathered collectively on a shelf. The absence of 1 determine creates a void, a nagging sense of incompleteness. This want is magnified by restricted editions, unique releases tied to particular occasions or retailers, pushing collectors to scour on-line marketplaces and specialty retailers, reworking a easy acquisition right into a decided hunt.
The trigger lies in Willems’ enduring recognition, his potential to craft characters that resonate with each kids and adults. The impact is a market pushed by nostalgia, sentimentality, and the will to personal a bit of a beloved narrative. The significance of collectibility is obvious within the aftermarket costs of uncommon figures, some fetching vital sums. This phenomenon transforms what started as a toddler’s toy right into a commodity, an funding of kinds. The understanding of this dynamic is sensible for each producers and shoppers. For producers, recognizing and capitalizing on the demand for full units results in strategic releases and advertising and marketing campaigns. For shoppers, consciousness of the potential for worth appreciation informs buying choices, probably blurring the road between childhood pleasure and calculated funding.
Finally, the collectibility of Mo Willems plush figures transcends the realm of easy consumerism. It’s a testomony to the facility of storytelling, the enduring enchantment of well-crafted characters, and the human want to create order and completeness in a world typically characterised by chaos. Challenges come up in balancing the necessity to fulfill collector demand with the chance of over-saturation, probably diminishing the perceived worth of the objects. But, so long as Willems continues to create participating tales and memorable characters, the demand for these tangible extensions of his world will seemingly endure, solidifying their place not simply in toy chests, however in rigorously curated collections. This phenomenon mirrors the broader development of amassing within the digital age, the place bodily objects achieve elevated significance as reminders of less complicated, extra tangible experiences.
7. Merchandising Success
The story of Mo Willems’ plush characters is inextricably linked to a story of economic triumph. It started with the creation of characters resonating deeply with younger audiences and their mother and father. However resonance alone doesn’t assure income. As a substitute, a strategic and multifaceted strategy to merchandising remodeled these fictional entities into tangible property, producing substantial revenue and broadening the attain of Willems’ work. The plush figures turned ambassadors of the books, extending the studying expertise past the web page.
Contemplate the Elephant & Piggie Like Studying! collection. The launch of corresponding plush figures coincided with the discharge of recent books. These weren’t merely toys; they had been marketed as companions, encouraging kids to have interaction with the characters extra intimately. Retail partnerships performed an important function. Unique releases at main bookstore chains created a way of urgency, driving gross sales. Restricted-edition figures generated buzz, additional fueling demand. The worth factors had been rigorously calibrated, placing a steadiness between affordability and perceived worth. Licensed attire, bedding, and different associated merchandise amplified the characters’ presence, making a pervasive model id. This deliberate ecosystem of merchandise cemented the characters’ place within the cultural panorama.
The merchandising success of Mo Willems’ plush characters demonstrates a elementary precept: a compelling narrative, mixed with a strategic business imaginative and prescient, can yield vital monetary returns. The problem, nevertheless, lies in sustaining the integrity of the unique creation whereas capitalizing on its business potential. Over-saturation of the market can dilute the model’s enchantment, diminishing its worth. But, when executed thoughtfully and ethically, merchandising turns into not merely a supply of revenue, however a strong device for amplifying the attain and influence of storytelling, and “Mo Willems stuffed animals” present this sample in a transparent method.
8. Literacy Reinforcement
The quiet act of a kid clutching an opulent Pigeon typically belies a strong dynamic: literacy reinforcement. These smooth figures aren’t merely passive companions; they develop into tangible conduits, channeling the narratives and linguistic nuances of Mo Willems’ tales into the kid’s world. They remodel summary phrases into concrete experiences, forging a potent hyperlink between written textual content and bodily actuality. For a lot of younger readers, the plush Pigeon is not only a toy; it’s a gateway, beckoning them additional into the world of books. When a toddler snuggles with an opulent Gerald whereas listening to “I Am Invited to a Celebration!”, the anxious elephants issues about acceptable apparel develop into a shared expertise, making the vocabulary and themes of the story extra resonant and memorable. The plush reinforces the literacy expertise.
Contemplate the kid struggling to understand the idea of empathy. The kid possesses an opulent Piggie. A dad or mum can use the plush to behave out situations from “My Good friend is Unhappy!”, demonstrating Piggie’s efforts to cheer up Gerald. The tangible presence of Piggie, its smooth texture, and its acquainted form, serves as a continuing reminder of the teachings realized from the e-book. The act of holding and interacting with the plush reinforces the story’s message, making it extra seemingly that the kid will internalize the idea of empathy. Moreover, these toys can be utilized to bridge the hole between the printed web page and the kid’s personal experiences. If a toddler feels annoyed, they may flip to their plush Pigeon, remembering the Pigeon’s personal outbursts in “Do not Let the Pigeon Keep Up Late!”. This connection permits the kid to determine with the character, validating their emotions and offering a framework for understanding their very own feelings. It helps develop and perceive new literacies.
The literacy reinforcement inherent in Mo Willems’ plush figures is, subsequently, a strong and sometimes missed aspect of their enchantment. They improve comprehension, foster emotional intelligence, and create an enduring connection between the kid and the world of literature. Producers face the problem of making certain that these figures precisely replicate the characters’ personalities and the themes of the books. A poorly designed plush determine might undermine the very literacy reinforcement it’s meant to offer. The aim is to take care of constancy to the unique work, making certain the plush toy doesnt simply entertain, however educates and empowers. This delicate steadiness between business enchantment and academic worth is vital to unlocking the complete potential of those beloved companions.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
The realm of youngsters’s literature, when delivered to life within the tactile type of plush toys, raises questions. The next addresses widespread inquiries concerning these smooth companions.
Query 1: What supplies are generally employed within the development of those plush figures, and are they protected for younger kids?
The narrative begins with uncooked supplies: polyester fibers, meticulously woven into plush materials. Security requirements dictate rigorous testing for toxins, small elements, and flammability. Labels bear certification marks, indicating adherence to those protocols. A discerning eye notes the standard of sewing and the safe attachment of gildings. The journey from manufacturing facility flooring to a toddler’s embrace calls for vigilance.
Query 2: How does one make sure the longevity of a cherished Pigeon plush, preserving its integrity in opposition to the ravages of time and youthful enthusiasm?
The story of conservation unfolds via light cycles in cool water, adopted by air drying. Harsh detergents and aggressive agitation hasten decay. Stains, these indelible marks of journey, yield to focused spot remedies. Vigilant seam restore prevents catastrophic unraveling. The story is considered one of conscious stewardship, extending the plush’s lifespan.
Query 3: What distinguishes an formally licensed Mo Willems plush from its much less scrupulous counterparts, making certain authenticity and moral sourcing?
The saga of provenance traces again to licensed producers, bearing the imprint of Willems’ artistic imaginative and prescient and adhering to truthful labor practices. Counterfeits, typically lurking within the shadows of on-line marketplaces, betray inferior supplies and disrespect moral issues. A eager observer identifies the official hallmarks: safe labels, constant design parts, and dependable distributors. The hunt for authenticity turns into an ethical crucial.
Query 4: To what extent do these plush figures affect a toddler’s engagement with literacy, fostering a deeper appreciation for the written phrase?
The narrative weaves collectively tactile consolation and literary immersion. Kids, clutching a well-known Gerald, act out scenes from the books, embodying the characters’ feelings and increasing their vocabulary. The plush transforms from a mere toy right into a storytelling prop, reinforcing the narrative’s influence. A tangible connection to the written phrase takes form, one hug at a time.
Query 5: Are there moral implications related to the merchandising of childhood characters, significantly regarding consumerism and potential exploitation?
The storyline includes the superb line between fostering creativity and fueling insatiable demand. Accountable merchandising emphasizes academic worth and imaginative play, discouraging extreme consumption. Dad and mom, as gatekeepers, information their kids in the direction of conscious engagement with these characters, making certain that the narrative stays considered one of pleasure and enrichment, not of unchecked materialism.
Query 6: How can mother and father leverage these plush figures to deal with complicated feelings or behavioral challenges in younger kids, utilizing the characters as relatable function fashions?
The narrative shifts to the realm of emotional intelligence. A toddler grappling with anxiousness may discover solace in Gerald’s relatable anxieties. A dad or mum can use the plush to facilitate conversations about tough emotions, turning the character right into a confidante. The plush turns into a tangible illustration of emotional resilience, empowering the kid to navigate their very own challenges.
In essence, the realm of Mo Willems plush figures presents a nuanced tapestry of academic potential, business issues, and moral dilemmas. Considerate engagement ensures that these smooth companions function conduits for pleasure, studying, and emotional development.
The journey continues with an exploration of rising developments available in the market for kids’s literature merchandise.
Insights on “mo willems stuffed animals”
The world of plush creations, significantly these impressed by beloved kids’s authors, presents alternatives and challenges. Navigating this panorama requires foresight, a dedication to high quality, and an understanding of the fragile steadiness between business success and inventive integrity. The next provides steering for these concerned.
Tip 1: Prioritize Sturdiness and Security. The narrative of a well-loved plush typically includes numerous hours of hugs, throws, and imaginative play. Guaranteeing sturdiness includes deciding on sturdy supplies and using strengthened stitching. Security transcends authorized necessities; it’s a ethical crucial. Rigorous testing for toxins, small elements, and flammability just isn’t a mere formality however a cornerstone of accountable manufacturing.
Tip 2: Adhere Faithfully to Character Design. The essence of “Mo Willems stuffed animals” lies of their rapid recognizability. Deviations from the established character designs threat alienating shoppers and undermining the model’s id. Exact coloration palettes, correct proportions, and meticulous consideration to element are essential for capturing the spirit of the unique creations.
Tip 3: Embrace Sustainable and Moral Practices. Customers are more and more aware of the environmental and social influence of their purchases. Sourcing sustainable supplies and adhering to truthful labor practices are now not non-obligatory; they’re important for sustaining a constructive model picture. Transparency concerning provide chains and manufacturing processes builds belief and fosters buyer loyalty.
Tip 4: Provide a Vary of Character Choices. The world of Mo Willems extends far past Pigeon, Gerald, and Piggie. Capitalizing on the complete spectrum of his creations permits for broader market enchantment and caters to numerous preferences. Introducing lesser-known characters via restricted editions or unique releases can generate pleasure and drive gross sales.
Tip 5: Domesticate a Sense of Collectibility. The will to finish a set is a strong motivator. Designing “Mo Willems stuffed animals” with a watch in the direction of collectibility encourages repeat purchases and fosters a deeper reference to the model. Restricted-edition figures, character variations, and themed units can all contribute to this sense of completeness.
Tip 6: Combine the Plush right into a Broader Literary Expertise. These figures mustn’t exist in isolation. Linking them to the corresponding books via advertising and marketing campaigns, academic supplies, and interactive experiences enhances their worth and reinforces the literacy advantages. Dad and mom ought to be inspired to make use of the plush as instruments for storytelling, role-playing, and emotional studying.
Tip 7: Set up Genuine Retail Partnerships. The selection of retail companions can considerably influence a product’s success. Aligning with respected bookstores, academic retailers, and specialty toy shops enhances credibility and reaches the target market extra successfully. Unique partnerships can create a way of shortage and drive demand.
These “Mo Willems stuffed animals” are greater than mere merchandise; they’re vessels of storytelling, brokers of emotional connection, and devices of literacy reinforcement. Approaching their creation and distribution with these issues in thoughts ensures their lasting success.
Because the solar units on this exploration of plush creations, the journey continues onward. This can be a reminder that high quality, transparency, and a deep understanding of the wants of younger readers are non-negotiable.
The Enduring Legacy of Stitched Smiles
The narrative of “mo willems stuffed animals,” as explored, reveals a tapestry woven with threads of creativity, commerce, and youngster growth. From their elementary function in character recognition to their refined affect on literacy reinforcement, these plush figures transcend the constraints of mere toys. They develop into tangible extensions of Willems’ tales, facilitating emotional connections, stimulating imaginative play, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the written phrase. The journey detailed has highlighted the meticulous consideration to element, the unwavering dedication to security, and the moral issues required to create these companions.
The long run holds promise and peril. Because the panorama of youngsters’s literature evolves, the problem stays to steadiness business success with inventive integrity, to make sure that these plush figures proceed to spark pleasure and encourage studying. Let or not it’s remembered: the story doesn’t finish with a purchase order. It continues with each hug, each imaginative journey, and each shared second of laughter. The ultimate chapter is but unwritten, a testomony to the enduring energy of storytelling and the lasting legacy of stitched smiles. The query now turns into, what comes subsequent?
