Philip McGregor is so fat that everyone either stares or sniggers as he passes by. At school he goes by the name of Porky. But one day he collapses in the school canteen and is rushed to hospital. In his despair Porky doesn't realise that this marks the start of a new life in which he will fight back instead of sink. He's drawn to the hospital garden where a sunflower beckons him to come close and listen because it has a secret to impart to him. A secret that will empower and lead him to seven other teenagers from different continents who are each escaping their own conflicts. Troubles caused by a dangerous lack of food security, which threaten the future of the Earth. The kids are unexpectedly entrusted with secrets, communicated magically by the Earth itself - by plants, animals and birds. As Keepers they are led to make incredible, yet precarious, journeys - still unaware of where they must go. But the Food Masters are hot on their heels, ready to kill to keep those secrets hidden...