Roscoe is right, but he didn't really answer the "why" portion of the question, so I will.
Basically, a Model 38 is going to be the easiest to control and safest option available. It's bigger than a Kel-Tec, but a beginner will find it easier to shoot, and it carries a better round anyway, at least in my opinion. It's a revolver. The hammerless models have a heavy (or should I say long?)enough trigger pull that any accidental trigger pulling is unlikely. When your ready to fire, pull it and squeeze the trigger. Thats it.
For pocket carry a hammerless model is superior as there is no hammer to snag on pockets on the way out. I have a Taurus 605 that is similar, and mine has a hammer (my preference), but then I never carry it in my pocket, either.
If you have to have an auto, a kel-tec is a pretty good choice, but I personally don't view them as particularly good beginner guns. It's not that they are any more or less unsafe than a revolver as much as it is that I happen to think that they are harder to shoot than the average snubby, at least in terms of accurate fire. Thats just my opinion though.