The article is devoted to one of the wonderful examples of the late XX-th century English picturebook for old and young. In keeping with the tradition of Christmas editions for holiday entertainment, it presents an amusing story for adults and children, based on the well-known carol «The Twelve Days of Christmas». The collaboration between renowned historian J.J. Norwich and legendary children's book illustrator Sir Quentin Blake resulted in a unique ekphrastic phenomenon, in which illustrations and text can be independently read as a story, while together they create a special atmosphere of an all-ages picturebook.