MUMBAI: Dora the Explorer won her second T.O.T.Y (Toy of the Year) Award as "Most Popular Property" of the Year by the Toy Industry Association.
As the star of Nickelodeon's popular preschool series, Dora the Explorer, Dora also received the "Best Girl Toy" award at the TIA gala, which every year celebrates the most innovative toys.
Dora continued her winning streak, claiming the "Property of the Year" prize for the second year in a row. The honour is reserved for the licensor with the brand or property that generated the most interest and excitement throughout the toy industry. By focusing on licensed product that delivers to girls high quality play experiences consistent with the show's values, Dora has resonated with both girls and their parents.
Dora's Talking Kitchen, a best-selling Fisher-Price product in 2005, took the honours for "Girl Toy of the Year", awarded to the best toy developed for girls of any age. The kitchen enjoyed tremendous success at retail as it conveyed the same emphasis on bilingual skills, combined with fun and adventure, as the popular Nick Jr. program.
"We're thrilled that Dora the Explorer continues to be associated with some of the most innovative and creative toys on the market. Dora is part of the lives of millions of kids around the world and we're proud of our products that are both educational and fun," said Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products president Leigh Anne Brodsky.
In addition to the toy honours, Dora the Explorer has also recently been bestowed with other awards that recognise the importance of the series for today's preschoolers including a 2006 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Children's Animated Program.
"The Toy Industry Association is excited to honour Dora the Explorer for the second consecutive year at the T.O.T.Y awards. Dora provides kids with incredibly creative playthings and it's a pleasure to present her with both the 'Property of the Year' and 'Best Girl Toy' awards in our industry's own version of the Oscars," said Toy Industry Association president Tom Conley.
