The Single Best Investment is in my humble opinion the single best book on dividend investing. It's not the end all and be all, but should be on or near the top of your list.

This book deals almost entirely with MOAT or competitive advantage. Some people say Dorsey's older "The Five Rules ..." book covers moat. His newer book gives you a more in depth look on one of the most important aspects of picking companies. In buy and hold method of stock picking you want a company that you can hold for long periods. It will help you look for long term competitive advantages.

Very readable, "Reading Financial Reports For Dummies" goes well with "Annual Reports 101". Again, when reading annual reports read the notes. They often form the most interesting and most important part of the report.

To invest, most people need first to learn to save money. The authors motto is "before you buy first see if you can beg, borrow or do without." She goes a bit too far when she suggests saving foam meat trays (used for packaging bloody cuts of meat) for insulating your attic. She suggests buying things that will appreciate, real estate, silver rounds, quality antique jewelry and watches.

Excellent advice on how to find good companies. Not as clear as it could be, is made up for by author that answers questions at his website. I don't agree with his timing system, but is a good way to decide when to get into a stock.