When a cartoon character becomes popular to children, it gets really popular. And that has been proven once again by Dora the Explorer.
Dora, whose real name is Dora Marquez, is the main character of the American animated TV series entitled "Dora the Explorer". She is an 8-year-old Spanish girl who has a monkey named Boots as her best friend. They always journey together in various adventures to help people or to go somewhere. Boots befriended Dora when she helped him prevent Swiper- the masked fox who always try to steal things from Dora and her friends- from stealing his dearly loved red boots.
Dora also likes sports. She plays baseball with Boots and some friends. Her father is often portrayed as a baseball coach. She is also a good soccer player. When it comes to musical talent, Dora also has something under her belt. She can play a wooden flute really well.
The character is based on a girl named Lilli, the niece of one of the show's creators named Rick Velleu. Dora was initially voiced by Kathleen Herles who was later on replaced by Caitlin Sanchez who was also replaced by Fatima Ptacek.
Dora always brings her backpack with her and often uses the Map to find places where she needs to go. She often asks for the participation of the audience, usually by repeating words or phrases. She also teaches the audience basic Spanish words and phrases.
On the other hand, Boots is a light blue five-year-old cheerful and friendly monkey who has a yellow tummy. He always wears his dearly loved red boots which led to his name. He looks a lot like his parents who have slight differences in height, fur, eyes, and outfit. He has a limited vocabulary that is being improved with the help of Dora. Boots has ventured in his own adventures and misadventures- at times for the sake of Dora.
Swiper, a fox who wears a blue mask and gloves, is the main antagonist in the show. He steals items not to take them for himself but to throw them away where Dora or her friends cannot find them. Dora must repeatedly say "Swiper no swiping!" to prevent him from taking something.
Dora the Explorer became a regular show in the cable television network for kids called Nickelodeon from the year 2000 to 2006. It is a very suitable show for children since the main characters always show love for each other and for their family. They also show good qualities in that they do not show anger and are not violent towards antagonists like Swiper.
Due to the vast popularity of Dora the Explorer, many merchandises and Dora the Explorer games, especially online flash games, were made based on the show. Most Dora the Explorer games are marketed to children. Popular Dora the Explorer games include Dora the Explorer: Super Star Adventures, Dora the Explorer: Journey to the Purple Planet, Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom, Dora's Cooking Club, and Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Mermaids.