http://www.amazon.com/Afghans-Double-Leisure-Crochet-Treasury/dp/0942237900/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322538373&sr=8-1
Here is my favorite book that I've worked from. I found that handling 2 pieces of yarn at once, rather than just one, makes the afghan bigger, bulkier, and it's faster to finish. this book is great for these afghans.
My neighbor is who taught me the beginning stitches. then she showed me how to follow the patterns in the book so that I could be off and running on my own. If you can find someone to show you a single crochet and a double crochet, you'll be set!!