diff --git a/README b/README
index 4a50b33..74e4c9d 100644
--- a/README
+++ b/README
@@ -2,6 +2,9 @@ Kea - Factor on the Parrot Virtual Machine
 
 Factor is a practical dynamic stack language. Parrot is a Virtual Machine designed to run dynamic languages.
 
+You will need to have the Parrot Virtual Machine installed to compile Kea. You
+can download it at http://parrot.org . You will need at least version 1.8.0 or higher.
+
 To build Kea:
     $ parrot setup.pir build