i need some tips (or tricks) on preparing this mesh for animation

So here is a character. http://imgur.com/a/ETep7

I’m trying to re-create it in 3D to animate it.

I already finished modeling it (http://imgur.com/a/Gxend,)

but I’m not sure how to rig it for animation, let alone create shape keys for it.

I want to be able to fully animate his mouth, lips and corners and all. But I’m not sure where to begin.

I’m very new to Blender. I made the mouth in Sculpt Mode with the Crease brush.

Any tips or tricks to help me?