The hold is obviously cute, but it is also a fun hold to climb on for grown-ups. With the behind of the animal up, I find the hold to feel like a cobble on a 30 degree overhang. It's ergonomic so the whole hand can wrap around the hind of the mouse, but not too deep for the fingers as to feel like a jug. What's best is the 3 different thumb catches possible - the two ears and the one side with the leg. I don't think I will use the head side up - may work for kids to hold onto on a vertical wall, but does not feel right for me.