Ebook: Flash CS4 Professional for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide

This is a great starter or review book for basic visual effects. No, it doesn't cover advanced topics, but those books scant the basics, and if you don't learn the basics you are missing half the capability of Flash.

This is the First book I've found that covers every aspect of the Pen tool (which you really need) in a clear fashion and in detail, so it can be easily understood. A lot of authors skip over it since everyone hates learning it. Some authors just give up and refer you to Adobe Help ;')