by Beatrice Tanaka

DRAGONS AND dragonlike creatures haunt the myths and art of many cultures around the world. Inside their scaly skins and fiery heads reside East Asia's generous but reckless water spirits, ancient Scandinavia's gold-obsessed treasure guardians, Mexico's wise, plumed serpent, medieval Europe's symbol of utter evil, the world-sustaining serpents of African and Hindu mythology, and the playful leaders of Chinese New Year celebrations.