I think Dora has managed to stick around for so long because of its approach. Unlike some educational programs, Dora the Explorer doesn't aim low. Sure, the plots aren't exactly Inception, but I've never seen an episode that spoke down to kids. Instead, it invites kids to become active participants in what's happening in the show.
Each episode features Dora and her boot-wearing monkey friend, Boots, completing some major task. For example, each of the episodes in Dora the Explorer: Dora's Big Birthday Adventure center on birthdays. In "Dora's Big Birthday Adventure," Dora and Boots need to get past a witch and find the Wishing Wizzle so Dora can get back home. In "Dora Helps the Birthday Wizzle," Dora and Boots need to find a wand and restore birthday wishes to Wizzle World. Finally, in "Wizzle Wishes," Dora and Boots need to help a young Wizzle regain his ability to wish.
After presenting the core goal, Dora needs to overcome three obstacles, which she invites viewers to help her solve. Sometimes she'll ask kids to point out a tool, other times she'll ask for directions.
Episodes are formulaic and slow, but completely engaging for younger viewers. Rather than tear through adventures at blistering speed, there's plenty of time for viewers to think and spot clues. It's an engaging experience. Viewer participation goes beyond choosing from a list; there's also a focus on counting, spacial/ color skills and - even more impressive - language skills. I don't have kids, but several of my friends do and it's really cool hearing them blurt out Spanish words and knowing what they mean.
Dora's Big Birthday Adventure is one of the few kid's show releases I've seen to include extras. The big feature is "Dora's Big Birthday Game." The concept is loosely based on the three episodes and finds Dora searching Wizzle World for characters to help her get home. Gameplay is incredibly simple, but more appealing than other "edutainment" titles I've encountered over the years. There's also a cool pop-up card on the cover and sticker sheet.
Dora the Explorer: Dora's Big Birthday Adventure is a fun kid's release. It's an entertaining and educational choice for parents.
