Angela C. Castillo's Blog
July 19, 2024
Things My Grandparents Used to Say
Old-fashioned sayings my grandparents said
My grandparents were raised in Nebraska and moved to Texas as young adults. They had a plethora
of wonderful and bizarre sayings. For years I've blithely quoted them, not realizing that perhaps most
people have no idea what I'm talking about. How many of these sayings have you heard?
Ugly stick. As in, “can't beat that with an ugly stick.” Means something is good. I think.
Eggs in your beer. Common use: “what do you want, eggs in your beer?” Means “what more do you want?”
“Doll rags.” Common uses, “shot to doll rags” or “beat to doll rags.” My mom said this one comes from Louis L'Amour westerns.
“She lost her wing, poor thing.” My grandma would say this when we were looking for sympathy.“Grandma, I skinned my knee!” “She lost her wing, poor thing.” I discovered the origin for this one in a book of children’s poems. It's part of a poem called “The Wind Doth Blow.”
“Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.” My family lived on a piece of land with a low water crossing,and sometimes we would find ourselves stranded on one side or the other, so this became especiallymeaningful.
“That’s all she wrote.” I have no idea where this one came from, but my grandma said it all the time.
“There you have it, sports fans.” My grandpa watched sports all weekend, from bowling to tennis to golf.This was a favorite saying of his.
“That’s highway robbery.” Means that something is too expensive. What highway? What robbery? My mom and dad both say this one.
“Let’s get out of this chicken outfit.” Meaning: “We need to get out of here.” I seriously have no idea but my grandma and mom said this all the time.
“More than you can shake a stick at.” Though also a saying involving a stick, this means a whole lot.Immeasurable. I mean, one can shake a stick at a lot of stuff.
So there are my favorite family sayings. Have you heard any of these? Do you have any to share? I'd love to hear them!
July 12, 2024
My favorite Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books of All Time
I've always loved the chance to escape to magical realms, whether in a dystopian setting where unlikely heroes emerge, or in an enchanted realm with unusual beasts both fierce and fantastic.
Most of my favorites were written for children, but they remain the same. I have always preferred books written for children, and don't see that changing any time soon!
It has not been easy narrowing down my top ten books, and the only way to do it was to include full series (but I've told my favorite book of each series as well).
The Borrowers: Mary Norton
This has been a favorite of mine since I was ten years old. I wanted to find a tiny family in my own house to befriend, so I'll admit I did a bit of searching as a child. My favorite book of the series is The Borrowers Avenged.
The Goose Girl, (tied) Princess Academy: Shannon Hale
These are both wonderful, but I think the Princess Academy is especially important for teen girls to read. I buy copies to give out.
The Claidi Collection: Tannith Lee
This book combines amazing world-building with steampunk and fantasy elements that in a way remind of some Doctor Who episodes. The books have suspense, romance and a nice self-discovery arc. Things get pretty crazy along the way, and I'm not super fond of the shark people that come along in book four, but it's still a fun series. Book 1, Wolf Tower, is my favorite.
The Two Princesses of Bamarre: Gail Carson Levine
This is such a beautiful, heart-wrenching book, and it's a wonderful look at what it means to be a true sister.
The Blue Sword: Robin McKinley
Some of the best world-building I have ever read, and enough girl power to make Wonder Woman proud.
The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings: J. R. R. Tolkien
I've read these many times over the years, but I'll never forget the day I was reading The Two Towers. I was in King Theoden's throne room when Gandalf blasted through the doors, and it almost made me late for my job at Sonic. Favorite of the series: The Two Towers.
The City of Ember: Jeanne DuPrau
I love the first book in this series. It's such a clever dystopian story with some fun steampunk elements thrown in for good measure. I'm not as fond of the other books in the series.
The Space Trilogy: C.S. Lewis
Incredible worlds, magical places, and a terrifying climactic battle of good and evil. But what else would you expect from Lewis? Favorite in the series is Peralandra.
Hidden Current: Sharon Hinck.
I loved the dance element in this story, and how people connected to God through the arts.
The Princess Bride: William Goldman
If you're a fan of the movie, this book is a must. Some extra scenes, and some things that didn't make sense in the movie are explained in more depth that make them even more hilarious.
The Chronicles of Narnia: C.S. Lewis
Needs no explanation. My favorite of the seven is The Horse and His Boy.
'Till We Have Faces: C. S. Lewis
This retelling of a Greek myth is beautiful, tragic, and brilliant. I think everyone in the world should read this book at least once. I read it every few years and each time it speaks to me in a different way.
Oops, it's twelve. Oh well! I'm sure I missed quite a few as well. What are your favorites? Please share in the comments!
Also, don't forget that I have fantasy books for children and young adults! You can see my Three Royal Children, Toby the Trilby, and Willow Green Series on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...
July 1, 2020
WIN an amazing bedtime story library and Princess Tent!
For more information, go HERE,
And to find out more about Angela's NEW bedtime story and how to order your SIGNED copy with three FREE gifts, go HERE.
Princess Book Cover Reveal
If you have little fairy and princess lovers in your home (or let's face it, if you love them yourself,) you NEED this book in your library.
Princesses don't have sticky hair . . . unless they decide to explore a cave and accidentally walk through a spider web! Children will love this whimsical story with surprises on every page, featuring all their magical favorites, fairies, unicorns, dragons, and mermaids.
To pre-order from Amazon Kindle, go HERE.To order a PAPERBACK copy with three special surprise gifts, go HERE.
June 24, 2020
Contest! Win Christian fiction library and Amazon gift card!
Enter to win HERE.
And check out the second book in the Westward Wanderers Oregon trail series, The Dawn Wakers, available for pre-order on Amazon HERE.
May 5, 2020
Announcing Isadorn the Unicorn, now Available on Audible . . . Plus Contest!
Would you like a FREE copy? To win one of 20 FREE audible codes, please like and share this Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/Angela-Castillos-Books-for-Kids-2427966633886678and let me know if you want a US or UK code.
You can hear a sample of this wonderful story at https://www.audible.com/pd/Isadorn-the-Unicorn-and-the-Sloppy-Dragon-Audiobook/B0882FLYLH.
Good luck!
Bored Kids? Let's Find Free Stuff to Do!
Have you been scrambling to keep your little ones entertained? As a work-from-home mom, I've been trying to find whatever I can to keep my kiddos happy.
Here are some great offers from companies for a limited time.
1. Audible Stories
For me, the more books I can get into my kid's hands the better. Audiobooks are a great way to introduce great literature to your children, and guess what? Amazon's Audible is offering some great ones for free! You can listen to these straight from the website on your phone, tablet, or computer, no subscription needed. They have everything from picture books like a Beatrix Potter Treasury and Winnie the Pooh up to classics like Alice in Wonderland, and new favorites like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Hank the Cowdog. My kids have been loving this! Go here to find your stories! https://stories.audible.com/discovery
2. Adventures in Odyssey
If you grew up with Odyssey, you know how great these Christian programs are. 30+ years and still going strong, you can get a free month all-access pass to every Odyssey episode! Just go here for more info. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/streaming/
3. Noggin
Lots of education and fun shows for kids. Noggin is offering a limited time 60 day free trial instead of the normal 7 day one. Find out more here. https://www.noggin.com/sign-up/?step=sign-up
4. Free Printables from my author site
I have printables as companions for several of my books. here: https://tobythetrilby.weebly.com/teacher-materials-page.html Please feel free to print out as many as you want!
Have you found any great freebies for kids sheltering at home? Please share in the comments below!
December 9, 2019
Huge Batch of FREE Picture Books for Kindle!
Today you have the opportunity to download 13 beautiful books for you or a child you love (Free in digital version only). These books were lovingly written by 9 talented authors from all over the globe. Please see below for Amazon links. But hurry! These books are only FREE for two days, December 9th and 10th! (P.S. Two are mine!)
All of these books are also available in paperback, hardcover, or both on Amazon. And most have FREE shipping with Amazon, with a guarantee to arrive by Christmas (check each book for details).
https://amzn.to/33Mho08 When You Feel Better: A Get Well Soon Gift By Misty BlackYour favorite patient will love cuddling up to this sweet get well soon story showing the power of empathy and kindness.
https://amzn.to/2RorHVK Unicorns, Magic, and Slime, Oh My! By Misty BlackMystery, magic, and mishaps make for an exciting story your kids won’t want to put down.
https://amzn.to/2PmaBVQ Your Thoughts MatterBy Esther Pia CordovaYour child’s mindset matters, more than they realize. Help them understand the power of a growth mindset.
https://amzn.to/2rnVoeP Little Bears Can Do Big ThingsBy Esther Pia CordovaIs it okay for boys to feel afraid? Is it okay for them to need help? Jimmy shifts his thinking, faces the challenges and is able to make good choices with the help of his friends. He’s even brave enough to talk about his feelings with his Dad.
Unicorn JazzBy Lisa CaprelliA best-seller, Unicorn Jazz is the most unique unicorn in the world. You can also grab the Unicorn Jazz Plush toy with this book for the perfect gift. Celebrating individuality, play, friendship, belonging and the power of believing in others!https://www.amazon.com/Unicorn-Jazz-Lisa-Caprelli/dp/1728838851
Bee-ing Happy With Unicorn Jazz and FriendsBy Lisa CaprelliUnicorn Jazz and animal friends in this happiness book with a bee named BEE HAPPY, who all show imaginative happy ideas for kids.https://www.amazon.com/Beeing-Happy-Unicorn-Jazz-Friends-ebook/dp/B07V5X847H/
https://amzn.to/2s2MOlG Little Narwhal’s DayBy Angela Castillo
Learn about secret creatures of the arctic with Little Narwhal and his adorable friends.
https://amzn.to/2DUpitJ Tiger’s Can’t Open DoorsBy Angela Castillo
Join two brothers as they evade a goofy-shape-shifting monster and learn the importance of imagination and creativity.
https://amzn.to/2P18Xtu Save the OceanBy Bethany StahlLearn about the importance of recycling with fun ocean friends including a loveable sea turtle and a mermaid!
https://amzn.to/33Xp9An Save the ArcticBy Bethany StahlGo on a journey with a polar bear, beluga whale and little girl to learn about renewable energy as we help save the arctic!
https://amzn.to/2P1x4Zo Flip, the Fainting GoatBy Alicia StenardIt’s a hard life for a fainting goat. Loud noises make Flip faint and he can’t control it. Will he ever fit in?
https://amzn.to/2PgFg6E It's not easy being Santa! A Christmas tale about kindness!By Pragya Tomar"Ever wonder what Santa's job is like? Wishes do come true..."
https://amzn.to/2s8JZiQ affiliate linkLittle bug and the Noisy New NeighborBy Melanie Hawkins
What will happen when a very noisy new neighbor moves in next door and disrupts Little Bug’s quiet, simple life? Can he learn to get along with such a bug?
https://amzn.to/2rnvCHD Little Bug and the Christmas SurpriseBy Melanie Hawkins
Will a big snow storm ruin Little Bug’s Christmas party? This is a sweet story of friendship, dealing with disappointment, and finding our what truly matters at Christmas time!
https://amzn.to/2sV8xMU Marien’s WishBy Cinthia Wild and Colin Wild
Three incredible friends - a Firefly, a Dragonfly and a Dung beetle work together as a team to fulfil a dream for their friend Marien, a Ladybug.
Enjoy!!!
Are you a Unicorn . . . or a Dragon?
Dunfer the Dragon is like that. He's very sweet and happy-go-lucky, but sometimes his actions drive his new neighbor, Isadorn, up the wall.
Isadorn is a very caring and loving creature, but she's also a creature of habit. And when Dunfer comes stomping along, she's not quite sure how to address the problem.
Isadorn the Unicorn and the Sloppy Dragon is my latest children's picture book, illustrated once again by the amazing Indira Zuleta. Children will love the fantastic illustrations and fun story, while also learning about conflict resolution and how to let someone know when their feelings have been hurt in a gentle and productive way.
Isadorn the Unicorn is available today in paperback on Amazon, with free shipping from Amazon Prime HERE. The Kindle version is releasing this Wednesday, but you can pre-order it for a special price HERE.
Happy reading!
November 25, 2019
Working Towards Gratitude
Sometimes Thanksgiving can be a lovely time for parades, pies and peaceful gatherings with family and/or friends. But sometimes Thanksgiving can get lost in an avalanche of anxiety and pumpkin-spiced laced meltdowns. I always deal with some form of this during the holidays (probably because I set a million writing deadlines for myself). Here are some ways I've learned to diffuse my anxiety and enjoy the season the way God intended, with a grateful heart. Allow people to manage their own expectations and emotions. We are never going to be able to make everyone happy. Each person is responsible for creating an enjoyable day for themselves and not relying on everyone else for it. Set healthy boundaries and work with what is best for you. Don't try to do everything. Do you find yourself dreading the holidays every year? You may need to scale back and say no sometimes. For instance, if you host an event at your house, try delegating dishes. Ask people to stay and help clean up, or hire a maid service, just this once. If you have ten people requesting ten different favorites, send them each the recipe and tell them you'd love to see their take on the dish. Discuss the day with your immediate family. Let everyone pick one or two traditions that are their favorites. Make a list with top favorites, medium favorites, and optional favorites. Then try to cut back on a few things, replacing them with less stressful alternatives. Spread things out. Instead of trying to see every single family member on an actual day, try planning get-togethers throughout the month. Cut back on gifts. For years now, I've given my kids about three things each. Something to wear, something to read, and something they want. Along with stocking stuffers and gifts from relatives, this is always plenty. Find a way to volunteer as a family. Help out at a soup kitchen, wrap presents for Blue Santa, collect food for a local food bank, or read Christmas stories at a local nursing home. There are always ways to give back. Have gratitude. Every time you begin to feel overwhelmed, no matter what, think of five things to be thankful for.
Hope these ideas are helpful! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
