Aldwyn, the scrappy orphan cat is chosen by Jack, a young wizard in training, to be his familiar, or animal companion. Aldwyn's biggest challenge seems to be convincing the two other familiars, the know-it-all blue jay Skylar and the friendly tree frog Gilbert, that he, too, has magical powers. But When Jack and his fellow wizard apprentices are captured by the evil queen of Vastia, only the familiars can save them. Suggested level: primary, intermediate.