Dora Helps ‘Em Explore the Internet

Grown up Dora is finally in stores, and her adventures have grown up too. She’s now solving her mysteries online.

The Dora Links doll has taken the bilingual learning that’s made her a hit with parents as much as their kids onto the Internet. Good news for parents: she’s giving you a break from watching the same episode for the umpteenth time on Nick Jr.

Link her up to the computer, and Dora solves mysteries in Puerto Verde with the Explorer Girls. The new line of “interactive” dolls has clear advantages for parents – they go beyond the old talking doll to a wider world of options for just one doll. And Mattel’s done well with Dora, making her online offerings engaging for kids (especially girls) and largely educational.

Offline, she works like a regular doll, with her hairbrush, purse (a small monkey on the bag is a nod to Boots) and toy chair.

We would have liked to see some of the online games move away from the prototypical girl offerings (we get it, girls like to shop and try on clothes), but that’s an option kids don’t HAVE to explore.

We suggest buying now – this will be a hot one for the holidays. Get it at Amazon for $49.97.