A stylized bird carving is a good beginner's project

Here are a few books to get you started. Whittling and Chip Carving require the fewest tools. Relief Carving is a notch up. Enjoy.
Barton, Wayne "The Complete Guide to Chip Carving" 2007, Sterling Publishing Co., pb, 136 pp, $17.95.
 
Barton, Wayne "Chip Carving Design & Pattern Sourcebook" 2007, Sterling Publishing Co., pb, 144 pp, $14.95.
 
Butz, Richard "How To Carve Wood: A Book of Projects and Techniques" 1984, The Taunton Press, pb, 215 pp, $19.95.
 
Ellenwood, Everett "The Complete Book of Woodcarving: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Craft" 2008, Fox Chapel Publishing, pb, 276 pp, $27.95. Pages 200-209 contain the instructions for carving the stylized bird.
 
Gresham, Pam "Basic Chip Carving with Pam Gresham" 1993, Schiffer Publishing Ltd, pb, 81 pp, $14.95.
 
Lubkemann, Chris "The Little Book Of Whittling" 2005, Fox Chapel Publishing, pb, 98 pp, $12.95.
 
Moor, Dennis "Chip Carver's Workbook" 2005, Fox Chapel Publishing, pb, 96 pp, $14.95.
 
Onians, Dick "Essential Woodcarving Techniques" 1997, Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd, pb, 183 pp, $17.95. Covers various types of carving, with projects for each.
 
Pye, Chris "Relief Carving In Wood: A Practical Introduction" 1998, Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd, pb, 165 pp, $19.95. Some reviewers criticize this book because there are only two projects in it, but the author provides a wealth of information about relief carving. Great book.