Dora and Friends: Into the City!

For kids who've recently aged up from this bubbly hallmark of preschool TV, this series is a fun way to revisit a more mature version of a beloved character. Much of what endeared Dora to younger kids still stands out in Dora and Friends: Into the City!, from her confidence in the face of a challenge to her exuberance at a task's end. She's still a great friend and a natural leader and is rarely rattled when contemplating a problem. She's also proud of her heritage, and this series continues to expose kids to the language and culture of the Latino community in ways that feel natural within the diverse community setting.

But what really stands out is how much care its creators took in making the traits kids remember fondly about Dora the Explorer more relevant to an older age group. Her backpack full of magical items has been replaced by a fashionable charm bracelet, for instance, and, instead of calling on a singing map to guide the way, she clicks Map App on her electronic device. Also, at various points, she's still able to talk with animals and visit magical lands, which is always fun. Add to that the fact that the show is visually appealing and its fast-paced action is often set to music, and it's a safe bet kids will like this new installment of Dora's adventures.