Lionboy (Lionboy, Book 1)

When his parents are inexplicably kidnapped, Charlie Ashanti bravely sets out to rescue them.  He doesn't know who has taken his parents, or why.  But he does know that one extraordinary talent will aid him on his journey-Charlie can speak Cat.  Since he was a baby, Charlie has had the unique ability to communicate with cats.  Now Charlie turns to these clever allies-from stray city cats to magnificent caged lions in a floating circus-for help.  And he begin to unravel the clues surrounding his parents' disappearance.

What Charlie discovers is a secret that puts his family and friends in greater danger than he can imagine-a secret that, in the wrong hands, could be used for evil.  Now it is not just the fate of his parents, but that of the whole world, resting in his hands.  Charlie must rely on his wits, courage, and, above all, his cat Allie's, to protect his secret and find his parents before it's too late.