Hi Mary - I think this would be a beautiful project for a 9 year old. There are only 7 colors and they are bright enough and different from each other that there shouldn't be any problems figuring them out. It is a cutie and I think would keep a 9 year olds attention. Please let us know if you decide to go for it and keep us posted on the stitcher's progress.
Cheryl

p. s. I believe the directions are in English as there are quite a few stitchers on this chat board that have used the Riolis patterns. If you have the color and the symbol with the help of an adult there shouldn't be any problems.

My Riolis kit has instructions in multiple languages including English. I would suspect all of their kits are that way. Good Luck. Always nice to see the younger generations trying any type of needlework.