Griffin Technology (http://www.griffintechnology.com) has released LightBoard, an interactive children’s experience for the iPad. The combination case and app creates a kid-safe arts activity center while simultaneously protecting the Apple tablet, says Mark McGlon, creative director at Griffin.

The LightBoard is an US$39.99 protective case and art table in one. Your iPad is surrounded in a shatter-resistant polycarbonate shell with openings for the speakers and headphone jack. A built-in polycarbonate screen shield protects the Multi-Touch display against scratches and impacts. A clipboard frame holds a piece of drawing paper firmly in place.

The LightBoard case is custom-built to work with the included LightBoard Trace app, a free download from the Apple App Store. With the app, your iPad serves up more than 35 different coloring activities and figures for your child. Slide a piece of paper in LightBoard’s clipboard frame, launch the app, and the paper is backlit with traceable drawings.