From interview with Dora’s creators at Nick Jr.:
How did you come up with the idea for Dora the Explorer?
Chris: We wanted to create a show that teaches little kids problem-solving skills. Preschoolers are our least powerful citizens. They can’t reach the light switch; they have trouble pouring the milk on their cereal. They’re faced with obstacles throughout their day and it can get pretty discouraging. Problem-solving strategies like stopping to think, asking for help, and using what you know are modeled in every Dora show.
Although Newmexiken’s official eldest granddaughter, Kiley, still can’t reach the light switch (“The light is off, the light is off, turn the light on, Mommy!”), she does problem solve and stop to think quite often. I can’t tell you how many things she has learned from that incredible television show.
I also like that the main character is a girl. Many of the shows for children feature male heroes. All of the girls in Kiley’s class are huge Dora fans.
Kiley doesn’t even watch the show very much anymore, but her imagination has taken over and we spend a lot of time telling her new Dora stories that she can be involved in making up. I can’t tell you how often Swiper the Sneaky Fox makes appearance. He’s constantly stealing from everyone!