Deaths of note from around the world:
Andre Cassagnes, 86: French electrical technician whose chance inspiration involving metal particles and the tip of a pencil led him to develop the Etch A Sketch in the late 1950s. The mechanical drawing toy became one of the brightest stars in the constellation of midcentury childhood amusements that included Lincoln Logs and the Slinky.
Diane Wolkstein, 70: Children’s author and folklorist who once upon a time served as New York City’s official storyteller, sparked a storytelling revival and helped set off a national wave of interest in the ancient art of the yarn. Died Thursday in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, while undergoing emergency surgery for a heart condition.
