We often use the terms dragons and dinosaurs synonymously. Maia, you love stories and information about both, although you do differentiate between dragons that we find in mythological resources and dinosaurs in scientific resources.
At 2 years old, in 2005, we visited the Chinasaurs exhibit in Minneapolis, and that experience had an impact on you. Within a couple of months you could identify and pronounce long names for at least 20 dinosaurs. To present, each time we visit the library we come home with at least one book about dinosaurs or dragons.
Maia, you usually prefer the look of the European dragon to the Asian dragon, possibly for the reason that the European interpretation more resembles standing dinosaurs. However, you sometimes pretend to "float" like a wingless Asian dragon while hanging over a swing.
In Latin, the term
draco means snake or serpent. Snakes belong in the reptile group, like dinos. You first guessed that they belonged with amphibians, probably because of the legend of
La Gargouille, a water dragon.
Dragons in various mythology may breathe or spit fire, acid, or ice. You have pointed out that according to one of your storybooks, some dragons breathe bubbles, rainbows, or clouds. Dragons may have feathers or scales. You've said you prefer scales, although
Saphira has feathers. Dragons may or may not have wings. You've pointed out that Chinese dragons float. Dragons come in many sizes from the size of a flea or butterfly to the size of a large dinosaur. Early European depictions described bear-sized dragons.
Asian dragons generally appear benevolent (well-meaning) and European dragons generally appear malevolent (ill-meaning). You've said that you believe dragons mean well.
Learn more:
Dinos and Dragons
Dragon Theme Page
D.R.A.G.O.N.S.
The Four Dragons
