Do some 3D Modelling

3D Model project I am the creator of an educational book for children with learning difficulties. The book is aimed at those below 4 years old and I wish to animate some of the stories in order to prepare for a presentation to a publisher(s). I require three animated characters to be designed for this purpose and I have the following requirements: Character 1 – The Hero Character 2 – Hero’s sidekick Character 3 – The Villain Beyond that the only specification I have is that the characters be appealing to the target group. They can be Human, Alien or Animal – I can incorporate any once it appeals. I must have full ownership of the characters. They must be entirely original and I must be able to manipulate them in any way that I see fit once the initial design phase has been concluded. I have no knowledge of 3D Animation but have been told that Google Sketchup or Maya are the software programs normally used for this purpose and which will allow me easy manipulation subsequently. Educate me if this is incorrect.