Phrases for Retelling

I am going (I want, I would like) to retell a (funny, humorous)

story, a text, a fable, a chapter from the book, written by a
famous (popular, well-known) English, American, French, Russian
author
to retell a Russian, English fairy-tale. Fairy tales often have no
authors, because they were written long-long ago by simple folk,
and were retold by word of mouth from father to son.
the title of it is The title helps me to understand what the text
is about (who the main character(s) is (are),the plot, the idea,
the message of the text).
This text is about(is about how) try to say it in one sentence.
The story is set (develops) in the forest, in the street, at school,
at home, in a fairy land
It takes place in winter, in the evening, at night, during some
days...
In fact there is one main character in the story (there are two
main characters); name them It is they are...
There are also minor characters who help(ed) me to understand
the story (the plot, the main idea) better name the minor
characters.
Then you retell the story, without details. You speak only about
important facts and deeds of the main characters:
**
After your retelling, you speak about the main characters:
appearance
age
traits of character with examples
As I have understood the author teaches us (the reader)

 to find a way out of any difficulty

to be diligent and hard-working
to be attentive at the lessons
to be kind and friendly
to help people in trouble
to always keep your word or promise
to tell the truth
to tell right from wrong
to love our native land
to be helpful to grown-ups (parents, friends, teachers, people in
need)
to be tolerant
not to be idle or lazy
never to deceive anyone
not to tell a lie
never to do harm to nature or animals
not to pollute (nature, forests, parks)
not to boast
not to play jokes on people
not to laugh at those who are weaker, etc.
III. Personal Opinion
I like the story, book, textbecause
The story is interesting, instructive, funny, true to life