I would really like to find book(s) that has some good hints and tips on:

Visual Effects (how-to) (compositing)(adding particles)(interacting 3d objects with videoclips)(creating water, fire,clouds and rain effects)

Picture composition (cinematography)

Aesthetics of Editing (montage)(color correction)

Aesthetics of Stage and Costume Design

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Check out "Creating motion graphics with adobe after effects" By Trish and Chris meyer. I picked it up on amazon about a year ago. It has some good stuff in it.