For a beginner, I would suggest a child's book such as a beginning piano book. There are many good ones. Most use examples such as folk songs and nursery rhymes. Some are even written for children as young as 5 who haven't learned how to read words yet. (Clark, Schaum,). Some use pop songs. (Can't think of the author, but music stores would know.) Others are written for Adults and use the skills adults have already acquired in order to present the new material faster in a multikey approach. (Bastien). Also, there are sight-reading exercise books which are very good. A music store which sells instruction books will have many different ones.

I think it is important to "count" from the very beginning, so that it is second nature and you can do it unconsciously when rhythms get more intricate. (Many people, especially performers who don't read music, would disagree with me here.) I've seen many adults try to learn to play the piano by reading, and sadly, most were failures. I don't think it has anything to do with ability, but rather priorities. The advice mentioned above by Les about having a CD or tape to play along with is good. There are even sites on the internet which have a playalong feature.