I read and adored this book in 5th grade, but I had not seen any trace of it in so long that I was beginning to think I had made up the title! The requisite princess in this tale (it is, after all, a story about a dragon) quickly discovers that this particular dragon has no interest in her and even less interest in fighting the princes who come to rescue her. The crotchety dragon of the title, too old to enjoy eating people, is absolutely wonderful. This book is somewhat reminiscent of Patricia Wrede's "Enchanted Forest Chronicles", and I would recommend it to anyone who can find it. Charming and entertaining from start to finish.