I have a few.

As you said you were a novice, a very good (and very thorough) one, is here: https://www.amazon.com/Game-Character...3418566&sr=1-3

This one covers character design, back story design, reference collecting, modeling, uv layout, texturing, rigging, and animation for two characters. One female, and one creature.

I would highly suggest it. It's probably the best broad-based 3d book I've found (and I have a lot)

Take a look. Hope it helps ya'