Shaped cake for a newbie

My son’s birthday is in June…and since like August, he has been talking about how he wants “a chocolate bumblebee cake with chocolate chips” for his next birthday. He is extremely committed to this cake and talks about it a couple times a week so I need to deliver! lol

From showing him pictures, I have gathered that he wants a cake shaped like a bee, not just a round cake decorated with bees or decorated like a bee.

What would your TOP tips/hacks/equipment/recommendations be for someone new to shaped cakes? I am an experienced baker but new to cake decorating. Fortunately I have some time to practice! Thanks in advance!