Hi! Thanks! Happy to help! To learn the basics of the software I followed this course on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/illustrator-cc-masterclass/ along with numerous youtube videos for specific situations.
I'd say start with the pen tool, the pencil tool, and the basic shape tools... those alone allow for so much. I've also found that a lot of functionality is tucked behind right clicks and double clicks on tool icons, or activated by holding other keys like shift, ctrl, or alt (sometimes simultaneously) when using a tool.
Anyway, have fun if you do give it shot, and let us know how it goes! _
RE: Making the Isle of Write Treasure Map