there is a really good scrapbooking book called: the complete book of creative scrapbooking
I bought this is Sussex Stationers (UK) and I really like it. It is packed full of really creative ideas.
I would say, as far as equipment is concerned, is to decide on your layout first and then purchase the equipment. In my basic box, I have the obvious, glues (prit stick and pva) and some decorative scissors inc pinking shears and lots of ribbons, raffia buttons etc etc. I'm a bit of a magpie and collect all sorts of shiny things and natural stuff to decorate scrap book pages with. Once you get into it, you'll see the whole world in a complete new light and everything you come across you'll think layout with and pocket it!!!!!
Materials that I really like working with are natural ones, twigs, sand, shells, stones, grasses, pressed fleurs etc etc....The key is to just have fun.
There are also some really good examples of people's work on the website www.sizzix.com and look under the album pages. There are loads in other places on the net too which I'm sure you've googled already.
p.s i do have a sizzix machine now (a 30th birthday pressie) and I love it. It is well worth it if you get into scrapbooking.
have fun.