Toys And Games

The Nickelodeon children’s network launched a new animated series in 2000 called Dora the Explorer. It was an instant success and children quickly identified with the little girl and her family, pets and friends. The show has been dubbed into several languages, including French, Italian, Irish, Malay and Russian. There have been stage adaptations and it was even parodied on Saturday Night Live. In addition to her friends, Dora has an extended family, consisting of her parents, grandma, twin baby brother and sister and cousins.

Merchandise associated with the characters has proved very popular in the form of plush dolls, action figures, toys, play sets, ride-ons, play tents and play kitchens. There are also Dora the Explorer computer games, books and DVDs of the show.

The central character of Dora could be said to be a positive role model for young children. She goes on an adventure in each episode in order to help someone, using objects along the way to assist her to do her good deed. These inanimate objects often have the power of speech, as do the animals in the show. Dora loves to explore and to be active and she participates in her favorite sports of baseball and soccer.

Boots the Monkey, so called because he wears red boots all the time, is best friend and helper to Dora the Explorer. He is a cheerful and supportive companion and is on the same baseball team as Dora. His favorite thing to do is to eat chocolate or bananas. Every show needs a villain and Swiper fits the bill. He is a fox who wears a blue mask and gloves and makes life very difficult for Dora. He continually swipes her things, hence the name, trying to thwart Dora’s plans. Dora however, manages to get the better of him and even makes him feel guilty sometimes. He employs the use of gadgets to aid him in his fiendish ways.

Dora is further helped by her Backpack, a talking bag that is purple and has magical powers. Whenever Dora the Explorer needs a helping hand, Backpack suddenly reveals just the right tool for the job. This could be long ladders or space suits. Another talking object is Map, who gives advice on directions. Many other objects speak in the show as Dora goes about her adventures. There have been talkative locomotives, gates, boats and trees. The cartoon continues to entertain and its one that is universally approved of by parents.

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As a parent it’s virtually imperative to be hip to the sorts of arts, crafts, sports and modern games that our children are interested in and intrigued by. Many of these activities are derived from television shows such as children’s cartoons. On the bright side, many of these are learning cartoons that really do assist us in educating our children. Some examples you may or may not have heard of are “Blues Clues,” “Dora the Explorer,” “Sesame Street” and “The Bear in the Big Blue House.” Probably the most popular of these kid’s shows is “Dora the Explorer.” Therefore many Dora the Explorer games and toys have been produced. You can acquire these nifty games for your kids!

For those who are not familiar with the cartoon series known as “Dora the Explorer,” it’s basically a learning and adventure program for young children. Dora is a young Mexican girl, who goes on daily adventures with her best pal Boots, who’s a friendly monkey. As Dora proceeds on an adventure, she speaks back and fourth to the young viewers, asking them to solve small puzzles and riddles, in addition to teaching them basic Spanish. This is a wonderful learning experience for boys and girls alike. And for those who truly appreciate Dora and friends, you can purchase Dora the Explorer games. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend any money to have fun with Dora and Boots. I know that parents will be glad to hear that a number of Dora the Explorer games are available free of charge on the Internet. All you need to do is log onto the web and access NickJr.com. This will grant you access to a number of Dora the Explorer games, as well as many other fun video games involving other cartoon series’. The great part about these free, easy to access games is the fact that they’re typically educational. So not only does your child get to have fun playing them, but he/she will also acquire knowledge in the process.

If you do choose to introduce your child to Dora the Explorer games and other fun activities online, it’s always prudent to get involved yourself, as opposed to just logging them on and then leaving them to it. You too, as a parent should check out Dora the Explorer games and NickJr com to see what all is involved and what your child can learn. Luckily for parents, learning has suddenly become a fun activity.

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