I have seen so many amazing figures - humans, animals, etc. here by some very talented people and i was wondering what books would you all suggest that i can buy to teach me how to do these figures. I would love to learn and have never done it and would like to buy a book that would teach me step by step. Any suggestions??

Here are a few that come to mind:

Book by Ronald Winbeckler

Modelling Clowns by Holly Products

Babies by Holly Products

By Stephen Benison

Polymer Clay books are a great resource to learn out to make 3D figures out of Fondant/Gumpaste.

You can find them in the clay section of your local craft store...

I use any instructional book that I can get my hands on...