The Magicians of Caprona — Diana Wynne Jones

An enchanting fantasy by a master of the supernatural

Tonino is the only person in the famous Montana household who wasn't born with an instinct for creating spells, but he has other gifts. His ability to communicate with cats just might help defend the city of Caprona against a mysterious enchanter -- but only if Tonino can learn to cooperate with a girl from the hated Petrocchi family of spell-makers. In this spirited tale of adventure, Tonino learns that sometimes a boy, a girl, and a cat can do more than all the magicians of Caprona combined.

The Magicians of Caprona features the debonair enchanter Chrestomanci, who also appears in Charmed Life, Witch Week, and The Lives of Christopher Chant.