Explorers

Perseverance and commitment to friendship are qualities that serve Dora well in this double-length Dora the Explorer episode that has Dora singing up a storm and, by the end, sporting a whole new look. Dora and Boots step through a magical gate into Fairytale Land where they discover classic fairytale characters, sweets, and a mean Witch (voiced by Chita Rivera). When Boots eats a tainted banana, he slumbers under a spell that can only be broken by a hug from a true Princess. Problem is, there are no true Princesses in Fairytale Land and time is limited. Dora vows to become a true Princess and embarks upon a challenging journey that begins with a search for a red ring hidden in a dragon's cave. Next she strives to get past a giant in order to teach the rocks to sing and then to defeat marching snowmen, rolling snowballs, and threatening storm clouds to turn winter into spring. Finally, Dora must somehow deliver the moon to the King and Queen. Spanish language skills, careful listening, compassion, and physical movement are promoted in this celebration of Dora's resolve to "never give up" in her quest to awaken her friend "Sleeping Boots." (Ages 2 to 5) --Tami Horiuchi