Little Chess Partner and the English Open

I've been playing "Little Chess Partner" recently (on easy), and find that I win a lot more when I play the English Open, than King's Pawn. Because of this, I want some advice on the English Open, and what I tend to play in the English Open (here's an example from Me vs Little Chess Partner. Although I'm playing black, I usually do pretty much the same things when I'm playing white. What exactly is the goal of the English Open?  Is what I played a good strategy? Should I castle king's side (where it is safer); or queen's side, so I can get my king's rook into the action, without endangering my king? Thanks.

"Mastering the chess opening" vol 3- John Watson, is all about the "English", it pretty well goes into the plan, ideas etc. on the opening...you may find it helful.