With SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer making their debut on packages of spinach, carrots and citrus this month, we asked readers to think of an unusual product and slogan for their favorite kids’ TV character to endorse. Readers were animated with their responses. Top three entries won either a SpongeBob or Dora product.
First place
Rapunzel for Rogaine: “For hair that’s down but not out.”
–Fred Hilgart, Marengo
Second place
Barney for Smith & Wesson: “I shoot you, you shoot me . . . “
–B. Repay, Bourbonnais
Third place
Kermit the Frog endorsing Compound W. “Make love, not wart!”
–Joe Sison, Aurora
More product pitches
Miss Piggy endorses swine flu vaccine. “A shot in time saves swine.”
–Mark Ashner, Elgin
Mr. Magoo: “Four Eyes is for me!”
–C. Michael Becker, Naperville
Elmer Fudd could endorse Energizer Batteries with the slogan: “Watch out for that waskely wabbit!”
–Judy and Gary Becker, Des Plaines
Dora for Ford Explorer. Nuff said.
–Diane Carlin, Green Bay
SpongeBob SquarePants and Mr. Krabs, owner of the Krusty Krab (from SpongeBob), for money/payday loan stores: “Get your money, money, money here without sponging off of your friends and family.”
–Dan Cotter, Chicago
The Incredibles can promote the Wisconsin Dells . . . “a family that works together, plays together, stays together.”
–Mike Draka, Chicago
“Zoloft, it works for me” by Barney the purple dinosaur.
–Rasa Fumagalli, Naperville
Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner endorse Pyrotechnic Special Effects–“We’ll help you blow the `beep-beep’ out of it!”
–Jerry Levy, Deerfield
SpongeBob SquarePants endorses the new square Hula-Hoop. “It’s hip to be square.”
–Paula Matzek, Mt. Prospect
Fat Albert for new Splenda McFlurry shakes: “Hey Hey Hey, you can drink three a day!”
–Chris Miksanek, Rochester, Minn.
He-Man: “I have the power … of new Cheer with extra whiteners and brighteners.”
–Andy Nee, Oak Lawn
Bugs Bunny for the Medical Malpractice Lawyers Association: “Eh, what’s up with that doc?”
–Emily Nee, Oak Lawn
Fred Flintstone for Brylcreem: “A yabba dab’ll do ya.”
–Tom Nee, Oak Lawn
Thomas the Tank Engine: “A more friendly and reliable mode of transportation than the CTA.”
–Janine Nelson, Chicago
Mr. Incredible endorses Under Armor performance apparel. “You can be incredible too.”
–Victoria Pinter, South Holland
Road Runner endorses Nike running shoes: “Catch me if you can.”
–R.M. Pinter, South Holland
Barney the Dinosaur endorses Nexium: “It’s the little Purple Pill that I love.”
–Bud & Marge Podrazik, Chicago
Big Bird from Sesame Street endorsing shorthand sign language. “Unhappy? You know what to do!”
–Margaret Traina, Chicago
