DORA AND FRIENDS: INTO THE CITY! DEBUTS MONDAY, AUG. 18 AT 8! @NickelodeonTV

Global phenomenon Dora sets off on her next big adventure in Dora and Friends: Into the City!, a brand-new animated preschool series starring the Latina heroine in new adventures, with new friends and a new interactive curriculum, premiering in primetime Monday, Aug. 18, at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.  The half-hour series (20 episodes) features the iconic character Dora living in a city, attending school and at the center of a peer group that works together to give back to the community–having both real-life and magical adventures along the way.  Created by Chris Gifford and Valerie Walsh Valdes (Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!), the series will regularly air weekdays during the preschool block on Nickelodeon.  The Dora the Explorer series, which after 14 years remains the most-watched preschool show on TV, will continue to air.

“Dora and Friends: Into the City! expands on Dora’s legacy of being a compassionate leader, friend and role model, in a setting where she can have dynamic peer relationships and experience the world around her in new and exciting ways,” said Teri Weiss, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon Preschool.  “Preschoolers will explore with their favorite pal Dora and her friends while developing interpersonal skills and a sense of community that will help them navigate new social situations like starting school and making friends.  And, of course, learn Spanish along the way.”

Developed with the support of educational experts and tested by preschoolers themselves, Dora and Friends is set to a contemporary soundtrack of Latin-influenced pop music and features an interactive curriculum focusing on community service, problem solving, emotional skills, Spanish language and Latino culture.

Set in the fictional city of Playa Verde, Dora and her friends go on adventures, whether it’s rescuing a lost stuffed monkey for a little boy in the hospital or returning a ring to an ancient Mayan Princess.  Throughout her journeys, Dora uses Map App on her smartphone and a magical charm bracelet to navigate the city and overcome any obstacle.  In the new series, Dora continues to be a good friend, leader, and problem-solver with a group of new friends–Kate, Naiya, Emma, Alana and Pablo-who share her passion for learning and exploring.

Meet Dora’s new friends:>Kate-an avid reader who is dramatic and artistic.

• Naiya-a smart girl who excels at math and science.
• Emma-an accomplished musician with a drive to be the best.
• Alana-an athletic, confident soccer player and animal lover.
• Pablo-a smart, playful, energetic athlete and explorer.

I share this as a courtesy, I love the way this show helped to start my son on learning a foreign language, especially since it is part of his birth heritage. Plus, I get a chance to share my celeb photo from awhile back!