Friday, 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 especially
meaningful.

“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!



Friday, 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/B00CJUELT0/





Wednesday, July 1, 2020

WIN an amazing bedtime story library and Princess Tent!

You heard right! Enter to win an AMAZING bedtime library with 10 beautiful hardcover favorites, and an easy set-up princess tent with glow-in-the-dark stars!

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

I am sooooo excited to present my NEW picture book, Princesses don't have Sticky Hair, illustrated by the AMAZING Cher Jiang! 


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.


Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Contest! Win Christian fiction library and Amazon gift card!

Need more to read? Enter to win an awesome Christian historical fiction library from Angela Castillo, PLUS a 20.00 Amazon gift card to buy whatever you want!

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.





Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Announcing Isadorn the Unicorn, now Available on Audible . . . Plus Contest!

When I put my picture book, Isadorn the Unicorn and the Sloppy Dragon, up for auditions on Audible, I never dreamed I would have the honor of working with such a talented narrator. Dean William Rudoy has just done such a magnificent job to bring Isadorn and Dunfer to life. You can hear a sample for free HERE. 


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-2427966633886678
and let me know if you want a US or UK code. 


Good luck! 


Bored Kids? Let's Find Free Stuff to Do!

Stuck at home?

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!