| Dora the Explorer is the Hispanic title character in | | | | The animation is bright, and the simple plotlines |
| an animated cartoon for children. Dora made her | | | | and catchy tunes are designed to delight children |
| premiere in 1999 on Nickelodeon, and by the year | | | | (and their parents) while passing along important |
| 2000 her show had become a network staple. In | | | | messages about appreciating different cultures, |
| 2005, she became the first Hispanic character | | | | valuing friends and family, and being willing to work |
| balloon to grace the Macy's Thanksgiving Day | | | | to reach a goal. |
| Parade. | | | | Dora the Explorer has been considered an |
| Dora is a cheerful, energetic and enthusiastic child | | | | educational character. Children learn some basic |
| with a wide circle of friends and a close and loving | | | | Spanish words and phrases. Dora is presented |
| family. Each episode finds her character embarking | | | | with a problem in each episode. She solves the |
| on a mission to do a good deed or to help a | | | | problem using basic nouns, adjectives and |
| friend. The mission usually consists of Dora going | | | | commands which she asks the children to repeat |
| to three specific locations where she must find | | | | after her. When children watch her, they are |
| things or complete certain tasks. Sometimes Dora | | | | being part of the program, as they are asked to |
| requests help from the audience to locate missing | | | | be active participants. Parents often hear to their |
| objects or to handle a situation. Needless to say, | | | | kids talking in front of the screen or saying words |
| all of her adventures end in success. | | | | in Spanish after watching the show. Children also |
| At the end of each show, Dora and her | | | | learn from Dora basic math and music skills, |
| supporters celebrate their victory and encourage | | | | physical coordination and how to observe |
| the people watching the show to think about their | | | | situations and solve problems. Dora is always |
| favorite part of the day's adventure. | | | | willing to stop any activity to help someone in |
| Dora is usually accompanied by her best friend | | | | need . |
| Boots, a monkey. She is also aided in her quest | | | | Dora is quite popular in with children in the United |
| by her magic purple backpack and her wise | | | | States. She has also become world famous. Dora |
| geography-savvy singing map. Other minor | | | | the Explorer is broadcast in countries from China |
| characters often put in helpful appearances as | | | | to Greece to Spain. There is even a Hebrew |
| well. | | | | version. |
| All heroines, of course, must have an enemy to | | | | Dora the Explorer is frequently seen on |
| oppose them. Dora's rather benign enemy is | | | | merchandise as well. Her face graces backpacks, |
| Swiper, who does his best to swipe the objects | | | | shirts, jackets, shoes, hats, and jewelry. She is |
| Dora needs to find to complete her quest. (hence | | | | also the star of multiple video games including |
| his name). Swiper is portrayed as more annoying | | | | Backpack Adventure, Super Spies, and Dora the |
| than evil and can sometimes be talked into | | | | Explorer's World Adventure. Unfortunately, many |
| returning stolen items or even performing a | | | | Dora-themed toys are manufactured in China and |
| helpful act like rescuing a puppy. | | | | were affected by the lead-based paint recall. |