Hello Dave,
With respect, as far as reading matter I would strongly recommend the following.
Wood carving magazine (GMC publications)
Http://www.thegmcgroup.com/item--Woodca ... 007WC.html
Any book by Ian Norbury
Mary Duke Guldan
Desiree Hajny
As for the carving chisels I have a few different makes and have recently bought
Some by PFEIL these have to be IMO the best I have got.
But as far as what sort of chisels/gouges you need greatly depends on what it is that your wife wishes to carve. Personally I would wait until you have been to the course, where they will advise. Otherwise you could be purchasing those which are of no use to you.
I hope some of this is a help to you. Although I have been carving for some years,
off and on I am only an amateur, to have lessons at the beginning, IMO is the right way to start.
I unfortunately was always too busy big-wheeling down the road to feed the family to have the time. Now as I am retired and have the time, my health is an issue.
The moral there is don't put off 'till tomorrow what you can do today.
I wish you the best of luck. For it is a wonderfully satisfying way of working with wood.
Kind regards.
Trev