Dora the Explorer: Backpack Adventure

Only a minute or so into the program most adults will find Dora's incessant cheerfulness a bit old as she shouts out a steady stream of encouragement. But for kids, this aspect may not be so hard to take. Dora's pack of friends from the TV show all appear in the program, along with the Fiesta Trio, a dancing frog-snail-and-bug band.

The seven games that make up the plot of the program emphasize basic skills and concepts. They include locating Dora's books by color, sorting through her backpack for objects, and solving simple pattern-recognition problems. There are three levels of difficulty--each varies according to how much Spanish is used and how advanced the number and pattern problems are. One drawback is that if a child gets stuck there is no way to ask for specific help or hints. A useful feature, however, is the ability to stop and start the program where the player left off, and save individual programs for up to three different players.

While kids used to more fast-paced programs may quickly get bored, young children--especially those who are already fans of the TV show--will have fun developing their mouse skills and putting their problem-solving abilities to the test. --Molly Masland

Amazon.com Product Description
In Dora the Explorer: Backpack Adventure Dora and Boots need help returning Dora's library books. Along the way, kids solve problems, figure out puzzles, play fun games, and even learn a little Spanish. Three difficulty levels and two play modes, as well as multiple locations, discovery clickables, and an onscreen sticker book extend the adventures. Joining Dora and Boots are friends Benny the Bull, Isa the Iguana, and Tico the Squirrel, but beware the Grumpy Old Troll and that sneaky fox, Swiper. With Dora, even returning books to the library becomes an adventure!