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