Well, none of us are every really done learning how. It will take a lifetime or until you stop which ever comes first.
It sounds like a good place to start would be wood spirits. Many resources for that style and that is a good beginning. I know that both Woodcraft and Rockler carry carving supplies for beginners, and information on Woodspirits. You can watch quite a bit of information on You Tube. Fox Chapel publishing has several books, and your library will have or can get through the inter library loan system, any book you can think of.
This link is through the SC Amazon Store. (yes we have one) and it is a good book to start with.
http://www.amazon.com/How-Carve-Wood...reative=380789
You might want to look at our Sawmill Creek Store on the main page. You can shop most anything in Amazon and the creek gets a little cash.
Good luck, this is addicting.
Phil