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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