A really great book for PHP beginners is:
PHP and MySQL Web Development by Luke Welling and Laura Thomson published by SAMS cost aroun $50.00
As for setting up MySQL databases....
I always use MYSQL-FRONT. it is an easy to use gui with some realy neat features. As you set up a table using a mouse you can see the code at the bottom. This can then be cut and pasted into your php pages.
mysql-front was discontinued at one point (I made 4 backups as I could not imagine life without it!) but it seems to have been resurected at
http://mysqlfront.sstienemann.de/